Subj : North Island braces for heavy rain as subtropical low arrives
To   : All
From : News
Date : Mon May 20 2024 12:43 pm

The North Island is set for a wet start to the week as a subtropical low and
associated front are expected to bring heavy rain for many.

"Low pressure will mean rain for much of the North Island through at least
Tuesday," NIWA Weather posted to X.

"For some, the rain will be quite heavy, especially over the eastern half of
the island.

"While the rain is much needed, too much rain over a short time may result in
localised flooding."

MetService has issued a number of severe weather watches in response, as well
as a warning for Hawke's Bay.

"A subtropical low and associated front is forecast to bring rain to northern
and eastern parts of the North Island from today.

"There is still some uncertainty about the development of this low.

"Please stay up to date with the forecasts, as further changes are likely to
be made," the agency said.

The outlook
An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Hawke's Bay from 6am tomorrow to
6pm Wednesday, with surface flooding and slips "possible" and drivers warned
to take care.

"Expect 120 to 160 mm of rain, the biggest accumulation likely south of SH5.
Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Tuesday morning and afternoon. Please
note that further rain is expected through Thursday and Friday, and this
warning may be extended."

Heavy rain watches were in place for Northland from midday today to 1am
tomorrow, Auckland including Great Barrier Island from 9pm tonight to 6am
tomorrow, Coromandel Peninsula from 10pm tonight to 9am tomorrow and Bay of
Plenty west of Kawerau and Rotorua from midnight tonight to midday tomorrow.

Heavy rain watches were also in place for Tairawhiti / Gisborne from 4am
tomorrow to 6pm Wednesday and Wairarapa and Tararua District from midday
tomorrow to 9am Wednesday.

Thunderstorms were possible in places, MetService said.

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