Mike Bain/cvnznews.com
A fast‑moving low‑pressure system tracking down from the north is set to intensify through the weekend, bringing the risk of downpours, surface flooding and widespread travel disruptions across the upper North Island.
MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, with forecasters warning that streams and rivers may rise rapidly and driving conditions could become hazardous.
Northland has already taken the first hit. The Mahurangi River flood alert system near Warkworth has been activated, and flooding has been reported in Paihia after a burst of extremely heavy rain early this afternoon.
Footage captured around 2.15pm by local resident Maia Heta shows water pouring over balconies, down driveways and surging across Bayview Rd near the Swiss Chalet Lodge Motel. The road resembled a fast‑moving stream as runoff overwhelmed drains and channels.
MetService’s orange warning for Northland covers a 15‑hour window from 8am, with 70 to 100mm of rain expected, and even higher totals possible in localised downpours. Slips, surface flooding and sudden rises in waterways remain a significant risk.
The system is expected to continue moving south, dragging unstable air and moisture across Auckland and the Coromandel this evening and into Sunday. Motorists are being urged to delay non‑essential travel, avoid flooded roads, and expect delays on key routes.
Emergency services say they have already received multiple calls relating to flooding, blocked drains and minor slips, and are asking residents to secure outdoor items and check gutters ahead of further rain bands.
With saturated ground from recent weather systems, authorities warn that even moderate rainfall could quickly lead to flooding in vulnerable areas.
More updates are expected as the system continues to intensify.
