Rain sets in ahead of red heavy rain warning for Northland, severe weather for upper North Island

Heavy Rain Warning in Effect

Rain has set in across Northland ahead of a major deluge expected to start later this afternoon. The MetService red heavy rain warning applies to the entire east coast from Doubtless Bay to Whangārei, starting at 4pm Wednesday and lasting until 4am on Friday.

Up to 320mm of rain is forecast, with downpours of 20-40mm/hr possible. Northland Civil Defence expects the worst of the rain to hit the northeast coast on Thursday night.

Residents are urged not to enter floodwaters, avoid travel, and evacuate quickly if they see rising water. For more information, visit the RNZ live blog or consult emergency preparedness guides.