New Zealand Local Weather Forum
Archive Library => 2012 => Archives => Forecasts & Warnings 2012 => Topic started by: Te Puke Weather on March 18, 2012, 09:44:40 AM
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Wind and rainy spells likely for upper north this week
Clouds are begiining to look ominous to the north of New Zealand as a sub tropical low starts to head in our direction.
Rainfall totals for the north of the North Island are likely to be moderate this week as the Pacific Ocean visitor hangs around for a few days.
There's a chance that humidity could also return and be more noticeable at night plus winds are expected to pick up from the easterly direction with gales are more than a possibility in exposed places.
"It depends on your exact location but it appears to be a soggy week over the northern half of the country however it shouldn't be all doom and gloom as dry periods are also expected" according to WeatherWatch.co.nz weather analyst Richard Green." The wind will certainly be up at times and periods of rain should be interspersed with dry spells as the system slowly churns on throughout the week" Mr Green says.
The winds are expected to blow in between the south east and north east directions throughout the next few days.
The South Island should miss out on much of the action this week and sheltered parts of the lower North Island as the low impacts further north however the wind could still be felt over the lower and central sections of the North Island with the odd shower possible in isolated areas.
Temperatures are likely to be average to above average for the upper North Island overnight this week whereas Mainlanders across the bottom half could again see single figure overnight lows.
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Upper north set for action
Winds are rising, clouds are building and rain is set to move onto parts of the upper North Island tonight as a sub tropical low eyes the region.
Northland, parts of Auckland and Gisborne are in the firing line over the next 24 hours where gales and heavy rain are set to lash the region.
Northland is the first province to feel the impact and the Government forecaster had a heavy rainfall warning put in place earlier today with significant amounts of rain expected.
The Auckland region should see the first of the heavy falls of rain overnight with easterly qurter winds packing a punch and possibly exceeding gale force in exposed places throughout parts of tomorrow.
Gisborne is likely to see the system settle in near dawn tomorrow morning with gales and heavy rain potentially causing issues particularly with surface flooding but also low lying areas could be at risk of flooding.
Out of the three regions it appears that Northland could see the heaviest falls and some hourly rates of rain could be very intense but hopefully shortlived.
WeatherWatch.co.nz will continue to monitor the situation closely.
- WeatherWatch
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Looks like the heaveir stuff is about to move in :)
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Oh dear didn't look too good on the weather report tonight. Looks like you may have to batten down the hatches.
Stay safe up there.
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It's only water, I live on high ground, computer is on top shelf - we should be OK ;)
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Just got into your weather station and had a look Allan and it has hit you already with the rain but not the wind at the moment.
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SEVERE WEATHER WARNING.
ISSUED BY MetService AT 9:03pm 18-Mar-2012 URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST IN: Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne, Fiordland
HEAVY RAIN EXPECTED FOR NORTHLAND, PARTS OF AUCKLAND, COROMANDEL PENINSULA AND GISBORNE TONIGHT AND TOMORROW. A PERIOD OF SEVERE SOUTHEAST GALES IN NORTHLAND. HEAVY RAIN IN FIORDLAND HAS EASED.
A deep low is approaching New Zealand from the sub-tropics and is expected to be slow-moving tomorrow just to the northeast of Northland. Its associated rain-band is expected to bring a period of heavy rain over areas from Northland, Auckland and Coromandel to Gisborne. Around 180mm of rain is possible over parts of Northland, and more than 100mm in the north of Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne. People in these areas are advised to watch out for rapidly rising streams and rivers, slips, flooding and hazardous driving conditions. Southeast gales are expected to become severe in Northland overnight Sunday and Monday morning. Winds of this strength have the potential to damage trees and powerlines and make driving hazardous.
FOR THE LATEST WEATHER AND FORECAST CHARTS PLEASE GO TO http://metservice.com (http://metservice.com) MORE DETAILED INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY MANAGERS AND TECHNICAL USERS FOLLOWS.
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HEAVY RAIN WARNING
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AREA/S AFFECTED: NORTHLAND
FORECAST:
Rain is expected to become heavy tonight. In the 24 hours from 9pm Sunday, expect 120 to 150mm. Some areas near the east coast may get 180-200mm. Maximum intensities could reach 25 to 30mm per hour overnight Sunday and Monday morning.
AREA/S AFFECTED: AUCKLAND NORTH OF OREWA AND GREAT BARRIER ISLAND
FORECAST:
In the 24 hours from midnight Sunday to midnight Monday expect 80 to 120mm of rain and 100 to 150mm about Great Barrier Island. Maximum intensities could reach 15 to 25mm per hour overnight Sunday and early Monday morning about Great Barrier Island.
AREA/S AFFECTED: COROMANDEL PENINSULA
FORECAST:
Rain should become heavy early Monday. In the 24 hours from about 3am Monday, expect 80 to 120mm with the heaviest rain in the north. Peak intensities of 15 to 20 mm/hr early Monday morning.
AREA/S AFFECTED: GISBORNE
FORECAST:
Rain is expected to become heavy early Monday. In the 36 hours from 6am Monday expect 150 to 200mm north of Gisborne City and 100 to 150mm elsewhere. Peak intensities of 15 to 25 mm/hr in the north from Monday morning to Monday evening.
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STRONG WIND WARNING
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AREA/S AFFECTED: NORTHLAND
FORECAST:
Southeasterlies are expected to rise to severe gale overnight Sunday.
Gusts of 120 km/h are likely overnight Sunday and Monday morning.
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WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE
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HEAVY RAIN WARNINGS HAVE BEEN LIFTED FOR: FIORDLAND Heavy rain has now eased and the warning has been cancelled.
NEXT SEVERE WEATHER WARNING WILL BE ISSUED AT OR BEFORE 9:00am Monday 19-Mar-2012 Forecast prepared by: Hordur Thordarson For further information after 9pm contact Duty Forecaster Paul Mallinson A service provided through a contract with the Crown
(C) Copyright Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd 2012
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This is not looking good, looks like down here may get the outside of it :(
Monday
(http://wairoa.net/weather/forecast/images/ra90.jpg)
Overcast with rain. High of 20C. Winds from the SSW at 5 to 25 km/h. Breezy. Chance of rain 90% with rainfall amounts near 17.0 mm possible.
Monday Night
(http://wairoa.net/weather/forecast/images/nra90.jpg)
Overcast with rain. Low of 13C. Winds from the SSE at 30 to 35 km/h. Windy. Chance of rain 90% with rainfall amounts near 35.1 mm possible.
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Rain Radar for 10.00am Monday morning 19th March 2012.
Fairly solid across Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay.
(http://wairoa.net/weathernz/10am_monday.png)
Metservice (http://metservice.com/national/maps-rain-radar/rain-radar-forecasts/rain-forecast-3-day)
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Monday's national forecast
A dying cold front will continue to work its way up the South Island today. This could bring some showers to the northern part of the South Island. The deep south should see some clearing skies as a ridge of high pressure builds in behind that front.
Things could also be a bit windy for the upper South Island with moderate to strong breezes expected for Marlborough and Nelson.
Wind and rain is expected for the North Island today as a deep sub-tropical low continues to move in.
Rain will continue for Northland, Coromandel Peninsula and Auckland through today. Heavy falls are expected to continue this morning. A few thunderstorms are possible as well, especially about Northland. Government forecaster MetService has heavy rain warnings up for these areas. Gisborne is also under a heavy rain warning where heavy falls are possible into this evening.
The rest of the island can expected periods of rain throughout the day. Taranaki and Wanganui may not see the rain start until this afternoon.
As far as wind goes, moderate to strong breezes are expected for much of the island today. Severe gales are possible this morning about Northland.
By WeatherWatch Analyst Howard Joseph (http://www.weatherwatch.co.nz/content/mondays-national-forecast-50)
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How is your river holding out Jenny? Thinking of you and all that is involved in this weather bomb.
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Civil Defence issues flood warning as roads close, power cuts
Posted by wwadmin on Mon, 19/03/2012 - 11:00
Filed in:NZ
UPDATED --- The Civil Defence is warning Northland to brace for widespread flooding as heavy rains continue to hit the region
Power is out in some areas and roads are flooded as heavy rain and high winds hit the north of the country overnight.
In the 27 hours from 9am, Northland is expected to get a further 100 to 150mm of rain, mainly from about Kaikohe southwards, before easing tomorrow morning, while Gisborne is expected to receive 120 to 180mm of rain in the 33 hours from 9am.
Northland Civil Defence spokesperson Graeme MacDonald stressed the seriousness of the situation.
"We're urging people to take appropriate precautions, especially those living in flood-prone areas. We're also asking people not to travel at all and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary."
Northland Regional Council figures show between midnight Saturday and 9am today, 283.5mm of rain had fallen on the eastern hills above Kaeo - roughly twice the 130mm to 140mm of rain that normally falls on the Northland region for the entire month of March.
Over the same period, 202.5mm had fallen at Whangarei's Glenbervie area, 200mm at Puhipuhi near Whangarei, 189mm at Kerikeri and 179mm at Waitangi.
The Ngunguru area near Whangarei had recorded 172mm.
Whangarei city had also recorded 117mm and Dargaville had 49.6mm.
Mr MacDonald said there had been surface flooding reported in many areas, affecting roads and closing some schools.
"With many of the region's rivers already seriously affected by the rain that has already fallen, more rain along the lines of that forecast, coupled with a 2.4m high tide along the east coast about 6pm today means the likelihood of more serious flooding is looking increasingly likely."
Police this morning advised motorists to take care on the roads in the Kaeo area as the heavy rain has caused surface flooding.
The Whangarei District Council is reporting flooding this morning on Ngunguru Rd, SH1 Whakapara, Whananaki North Rd, Matipo Pl, Marua Rd, Otonga Rd, Kokopu Rd and Russell Rd, and trees down or slips on Russell Rd, Peach Orchard Rd, Kaiatea Rd, and Springs Flat.
Flooding has also been reported on SH10 between Kaeo and Hihi Rd.
MetService has issued a severe weather warning in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Peninsula, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, and Taupo, as a deep low moves slowly past the northeast of the country.
Auckland, north of Whangaparoa and Great Barrier is forecast to get 80 to 100mm of rain from 21 hours from 9am, while the Coromandel Peninsula is expected to receive 80 to 120mm, mainly in the east, in the 27 hours from 9am.
In the 30 hours from midday 80 to 120 mm of rain is forecast in the Hawkes Bay, with larger falls expected in the ranges.
Strong wind warnings are also in place for Northland, Taranaki and Taupo, with gusts up to 120km/h possible in exposed areas.
- By Paul Harper, nzherald.co.nz
From Weather Watch'
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Sub-tropical low to linger until Thursday - 19th March 2012
A sub-tropical low which is bringing heavy rain and brisk winds to the upper North Island will linger until about Thursday predicts WeatherWatch.co.nz.
The weather news authority says the slow moving low near Cape Reinga is being held up by high pressure over the South Island.
Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the low will bring wind, rain and showers to much of the North Island over Monday and Tuesday then will fire back up again on Wednesday before easing Thursday. "This low isn't especially nasty but it is slow moving which increases the rainfall totals and the chances of rain warnings. The big high to the south is also contributing to the gusty winds".
The second burst of weather late Wednesday and early Thursday will be the last in relation to this low with the sub-tropical system dropping over the country during Thursday and clearing by Friday.
WeatherWatch.co.nz says both wind and rain warnings are possible on Wednesday/Thursday as the centre of the low passes near Auckland.
But a new system in the Southern Ocean is likely to bring a westerly surge across the country this weekend which will blow the easterly winds well out to sea over the Pacific and bring wind and/or rain to the South Island and lower North Island especially.
- WeatherWatch.co.nz
www.weatherwatch.co.nz (http://www.weatherwatch.co.nz)
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SEVERE WEATHER WATCH FOR AUCKLAND,WAIKATO,COROMANDEL PENINSULA,
WAITOMO,BAY OF PLENTY ROTORUA,TAUMARUNUI,WAIRARAPA,WANGANUI,MANAWATU,
MARLBOROUGH
ISSUED BY METSERVICE AT 2035hrs 19-Mar-2012
DEEP LOW IS BRINGING HEAVY RAIN TO THE NORTH AND EAST OF THE NORTH
ISLAND AND GALES TO MUCH OF THE NORTH ISLAND AND THE MARLBOROUGH
SOUNDS
A deep low lies slow moving just northeast of Northland, bringing
heavy rain and strong winds to many areas. A warning for heavy rain
has been issued for Northland, northern parts of Auckland, Coromandel
Peninsula, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.
This watch is for the possibility that rain could become heavy in
Wairarapa late Tuesday to early Wednesday, especially about the
coastal ranges of the Tararua District.
Please note, the watch for heavy rain about remaining parts of
Auckland and the Bay of Plenty is lifted as amounts are no longer
expected to reach warning criteria.
Southeast gales are expected over exposed parts of the North Island
and the upper South Island. A warning for severe gales has been
issued for Taranaki, Taupo, the central plateau, Wellington and the
Horowhenua Kapiti Coast.
This watch is for the possibility of southeast gales becoming severe
in exposed places west of the main ranges from Auckland to Manawatu,
not already included in the warning, also the Marlborough Sounds,from
this evening through until Tuesday night.
Metservice forecasters will continue to monitor the situation, and
advise people in these areas to stay up-to-date with the latest
forecast in case further warnings are required.
This Watch will be reviewed by 10am Tuesday 20 March
Forecast prepared by: Leigh Matheson
Metservice (http://www.metservice.com/national/warnings/severe-weather-watch)
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The sub-tropical low that cut power, created slips and flooded roads in Northland yesterday remains centred near the region for Tuesday but heavy rain and strong winds are heading south.
WeatherWatch.co.nz says eastern areas of the North Island, from Wellington to Gisborne, will be most exposed to the heavy rain while the strongest winds will affect central New Zealand.
The low has weakened a little but will get a shot in the arm from the sub-tropics on Wednesday - bringing a return to gales and heavy rain for the upper North Island.
For the most part the South Island is settled thanks to a large high - it's this same high that is helping create the strong winds over the the North Island between the high pressure in the south and the low pressure at the centre of the low near Northland.
Gale force south easterlies are expected to blast though Cook Strait today and affect some surrounding coastal communities. The wind tunnel effect caused by Cook Strait will see the worst of the winds out at at sea to the west but some exposed coastal areas in Taranaki, the Marlborough Sounds and Kapiti/Horowhenua may also have some strong wind gusts across Tuesday, as will Wellington, Wairarapa and exposed parts of the Nelson region.
Generally speaking the winds on Wednesday will be lighter across the entire North Island - easing in the south but building again in the north as the sub-tropical low energises up once more.
Rain in the upper North Island on Tuesday will ease to patchy showers with winds easing slowly as the day progresses - while the lower South Island remains sunny, warm and settled underneath the large high.
- WeatherWatch.co.nz
www.weatherwatch.co.nz (http://www.weatherwatch.co.nz)
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Rough Few Days Ahead
Hawke's Bay is set for a wet, and occasionally wild, week as sub-tropical low pressure systems northeast of the country make their way south.
MetService spokesman Daniel Corbett said northern and eastern regions would get "significant" rain in the next two days - and while there would be some respite by tomorrow afternoon after the first low had moved through, the second could dampen things down again, although its movements were still uncertain at this stage. The upper North Island was forecast to get the worst of the second front, although there was a chance it could spread south.
"This wet and windy low will take its time to clear the North Island," Mr Corbett said.
Adding a sting to the rain's tail, a band of strong winds squashed between the first low, which began bringing rain to the region yesterday, and a high pressure system to the east , could rattle parts of the Bay today. Northland was the first region to experience the wild wet early yesterday, while Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula were next on the hit list.
The sub-tropical systems have prompted a MetService warning that streams and rivers could rise.
In the 30 hours from noon yesterday to 6 o'clock tonight, forecasters were predicting 80 to 120mm of rain across some parts of the region, with up to 150mm about the ranges.
(Nuhaha 80mm 9.00am already)
It was possible that the heavy falls could spark slips and emergency services were monitoring conditions closely.
Police added to the warning, with a spokesman advising motorists across the region to "drive to the conditions - take care."
While the wet weather put a dampener on what had been a mild start to autumn, it was not expected to last. The long-range MetService forecast for the weekend is, at this stage, a brighter one - 24C for the twin cities, sunshine and light winds.
(http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2012/03/20/weather_fct318x296x139_t300.JPG)
Hawkes Bay Today (http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/news/rough-few-days-ahead/1311704/)
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NZ Herald
The deluge that hit the Far North yesterday is set to rain down on the central North Island today.
The low weather front is headed for Coromandel, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay with Auckland also set for rain.
Between Taupo and National Park there are already trees down, blocking roads including State Highways four, 46, 47 and 49.
The fire service is dealing with problems in Ohakune and Turangi. In Turangi, six trees are blocking the road.
Meanwhile Air New Zealand flights will again be disrupted.
A total of 24 return flights had to be cancelled due to Auckland Airport's wet runway and gusty cross winds.
Four other flights had to be diverted to Wellington, as was a flight from Adelaide.
Air New Zealand says passengers can expect some disruption this morning, as aircraft are repositioned.
(http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/201212/SCCZEN_190312NADFLOOD4_460x230.jpg)
NZ Herald (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10793261)
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Gisborne isolated by storm
By Isaac Davison, Paul Harper, Jennifer van Beynen, Newstalk ZB and Gisborne Herald
UPDATED12:38 PM Tuesday Mar 20, 2012
The storm battering the North Island all but isolated Gisborne this morning, with almost all routes out of the district blocked by slips, trees or flooding for a couple of hours.
The heavy rain sweeping in from the east is expected to last until this evening, and another short, sharp dumping is expected at the top end of the district late on Wednesday afternoon.
Police urged drivers to "drive to the conditions'', with pockets of surface water reported on the flats around Gisborne.
The two detours out of town, after the closure of the Waioeka Gorge between Gisborne and Opotiki more than two weeks ago, were hit by the severe wind and rain lashing the East Coast.
Drivers heading south on State Highway 2 were turned back after flooding temporarily closed both sides of the Whareratas south of the city this morning.
Around 7am, SH2 between Wairoa and Nuhaka, as well as between Gisborne and Muriwai, were both closed but were reopened around 9.30am.
State Highway 35, the East Coast highway, was partially blocked by a tree that fell between Wharf Road and Waihau Road on the south side of Tolaga Bay this morning. It blocked all of one lane and part of the other.
There was also extensive surface flooding in the same area.
This morning, civil defence emergency manager Richard Steele said that as far as he was aware, SH35 was open.
He advised caution and said conditions could change at any time.
Surface flooding and blocked drains caused problems in the city this morning, with some shops under threat of flooding.
Firefighters had a busy night in Gisborne, with gusts lifting roofs at some properties.
Gisborne Airport is still operating a full service but visibility could play a part throughout the day.
"The weather is so fickle at the minute . . . conditions are changing all the time,'' said Gisborne Airport manager Murray Bell.
NZTA Bay of Plenty state highways manager Brett Gliddon said contracting crews had made steady progress at the Waioeka Gorge slip, with two-thirds of the slip face relatively stable.
"However, despite the seven-days-a-week, 12-hours-a-day operation there is still a large rocky outcrop that is proving to be difficult and dangerous to dislodge.''
Mr Gliddon said the heavy rain expected to be in the area until Thursday would help to remove smaller slip material, but would not have a major impact on dislodging this rocky outcrop.
Power cut for thousands
The wild weather that has lashed the country has left about 2000 properties without
power.
A strong wind warning has been issued for Taranaki, Taupo, the Central Plateau, Wellington, Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast areas, with gusts reaching 120km/h over the course of the day.
MetService has also issued a heavy rain warning for Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, and Wairarapa, as the slow moving low continues to move across the country.
Around 2000 properties have lost power, mainly in Taranaki, as trees and branches have come down on lines due to the high winds, Powerco reported.
Operations Manager Phil Marsh said the weather started damaging the network from 1am.
The majority of properties should have their power restored today, however some may remain without electricity overnight.
More wet weather on the way
Another low is expected to bring to bring more torrential rain to the north of the country tomorrow, Weatherwatch.co.nz warned.
Head weather analyst Philip Duncan said the second low is expected to move much quicker than the one which has stalled over Northland, with the worst of the wind and rain coming over a six hour period, before weakening.
"This secondary low will be small but sharp and could bring in a period of torrential rain and gusty to gale force nor'easters from Bay of Plenty northwards," Mr Duncan said.
"There is potential for slips and flash flooding with this next spell of severe weather along with isolated power cuts due to slips or small branches taking out powerlines".
By Thursday morning the low will lie over Taranaki, before dying out over the upper South Island about midday.
Flights, Volvo Ocean Race affected
Meanwhile Air New Zealand flights will again be disrupted today.
A total of 24 return flights had to be cancelled due to Auckland Airport's wet runway and gusty cross winds yesterday.
Four other flights had to be diverted to Wellington, as was a flight from Adelaide.
Air New Zealand says passengers can expect some disruption this morning, as aircraft are repositioned.
And the Volvo Ocean Race yacht Abu Dhabi was last night sheltering in the Hauraki Gulf, waiting for 60-knot conditions to ease before resuming the round-the-world race after being forced to turn back with a damaged bulk head on Sunday evening.
"All we needed was a break from the weather to get us back in the race, the other boats are only 200 miles [320km] away after all, but sadly we have exactly the opposite - the meteorological equivalent of a kick in the guts," said skipper Ian Walker.
Northland's record rainfall
Fire Service officials rescued several people trapped in cars and homes after parts of Northland were hit by two months' worth of rainfall in two days.
Flooding from yesterday continues to affect Northland.
State Highway One at Hikurangi is open only to trucks as there's new flooding 20km north of Dargaville on State Highway 12 and both lanes are blocked.
Northland Civil Defence spokesman Tony Phipps told Radio New Zealand it "could be a day or two" before flood waters recede.
Mr Phipps said smaller rivers had receded but larger rivers were still at flood levels.
Flood peaks in some areas were comparable to Cyclone Wilma last year, he said.
Mr Phipps said there had been no rescues or evacuations overnight.
State Highway 1 remains closed at Whakapara, north of Whangarei, however several other roads in the region have reopened as flood waters recede.
The Whangarei District Council said contractors are on the district's roads checking for damage, slips, fallen trees, flooding and washouts.
The council warned motorists roads may be greasy, and people should not drive in flood waters.
'She's a lucky girl"
Meanwhile a Northland woman was "very, very lucky" to be plucked from a raging river after clinging to a tree branch for 20 minutes in floods caused by record-breaking rainfall.
The 61-year-old woman, Kathleen Abbott, was plucked from a river near Otaika, south of Whangarei, yesterday morning.
She had tried to cross a bridge in her car before the river overflowed but became stuck. When she scrambled from her vehicle she was washed downstream by a fast-moving current.
Her neighbour, Dick Pickering, said he used his kayak to reach her, and with the help of a fire crew in an inflatable boat she was pulled to safety.
"She was lucky enough to grab hold of totara tree in the creek, it was going pretty strong. She'd been there for quite a while. She's a very, very lucky girl."
Mr Pickering said Ms Abbott was in a state of shock for the rest of the day.
Shari Pickering, 54, said Ms Abbott was very relieved.
"It was a pretty terrifying ordeal because the current was really really strong."
Of the rescue she said: "'It was a combined effort really, we're just lucky that we had ropes and lifejackets and kayaks for the summer holiday we never had.
"I put a life jacket on and tied a rope and tried to get to her. But the rope was too short and the current was quite strong. So my dad walked down the edge of the fenceline and tied the rope to our kayak and then I went out in the kayak and got her."
Ms Pickering said the rescue took around 20 to 30 minutes.
Further north, the fire brigade rescued a couple and their three year-old child from a Ngunguru home after 1.5m floodwaters threatened to engulf their property.
Firefighter Chris Gibbs said water was creeping up the walls of their home, and the fire brigade had to ferry them in an inflatable boat across 400m of floodwater.
More than 200mm of rain had fallen in parts of Whangarei between midnight Saturday and yesterday morning.
The heavy rain and strong winds caused numerous road closures and felled trees, and schools in the region were also closed for the day.
The low-lying Far North township of Kaeo faced even greater deluges, with 283.5mm of rainfall in the hills above it - twice the normal rainfall for the area for the whole of March.
Roads in and out of the township were closed, and floodwater in the main street rose to a metre deep.
A flood meter by the Kerikeri river showed the current was 3m high near Kaeo - enough to spill over the banks and swamp the state highway but a metre lower than the devastating floods of 2007.
By Isaac Davison, Paul Harper, Jennifer van Beynen, Newstalk ZB and Gisborne Herald
Copied from nzherald
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The sub-tropical low which has stalled over Northland will tomorrow help create a secondary low north of the country which will then rapidly cross the upper North Island on Wednesday night bringing torrential rain and possible gales.
WeatherWatch.co.nz says the type of rain band moving in will be different to Monday's slow moving one - instead this one is likely to rocket across the upper North Island in about 12 hours - with the worst of the wind and rain likely withing 6 hours. It's likely to then slow down but weaken.
"This secondary low will be small but sharp and could bring in a period of torrential rain and gusty to gale force nor'easters from Bay of Plenty northwards" says head weather analyst Philip Duncan.
"There is potential for slips and flash flooding with this next spell of severe weather along with isolated power cuts due to slips or small branches taking out powerlines".
By dawn Thursday this new low will be lying over Taranaki and by noon it will die out over the upper South Island - bringing in some wind and rain to most parts of the North Island and upper South Island at some stage.
"These lows are acting like cogs by working together to pull down moisture rich sub-tropical air".
Mr Duncan says by Friday the nation will have a breather before a Southern Ocean low churns by south of New Zealand bringing a change to strong westerlies.
- WeatherWatch.co.nz
www.weatherwatch.co.nz (http://www.weatherwatch.co.nz)
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Added to here with a new story...
More sub-tropical trouble incoming
Posted by wwadmin on Wed, 21/03/2012 - 07:00
http://www.weatherwatch.co.nz/content/more-sub-tropical-trouble-incoming (http://www.weatherwatch.co.nz/content/more-sub-tropical-trouble-incoming)
WeatherWatch.co.nz says the low developed near New Caledonia on Tuesday and will quickly track south towards Northland and Auckland on Wednesday.
This next low is caught up in the jetstream to the north of New Zealand - and is associated with a number of significant rainmakers hitting northern Australia, although this low is newly forming.
"This new low is rich in tropical moisture and brings yet again the threat for flooding - and this time flash flooding may also be an issue" says head weather analyst Philip Duncan. "The ground is already saturated and the rain band that's coming down may be faster moving but it also contains much heavier bands of rain"
"A few hours of torrential rain could lead to rapidly rising rivers and streams, especially in the upper north and north east which is already saturated from Monday's sub-tropical low".
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The lows will both fade out on Friday ahead of a Southern Ocean low which will bring a strong to brisk westerly change across the nation - and yet more rain for the country this weekend,
"The predicted path of this second low means regions already hit by wind and rain will be hit again, but over a shorter period of time. Rain, possibly torrential at times, is likely to affect Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, East Cape, Gisborne and maybe Hawkes Bay".
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On Thursday strong winds will again dominate central New Zealand as the low slows down near Taranaki - but , it's unclear if the low will still have the energy to produce damaging gusts for storm hit Taranaki. It's expected to fizzle out on Friday.
- WeatherWatch.co.nz
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Please add your comments, charts and maps and media forecasts here.
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SEVERE WEATHER WARNING.
ISSUED BY MetService AT 8:07pm 21-Mar-2012
URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST IN: Coromandel Peninsula, Bay Of Plenty
Rotorua, Gisborne
BRIEF BURST OF HEAVY RAIN EXPECTED OVER COROMANDEL PENINSULA, BAY OF
PLENTY AND NORTHERN GISBORNE TONIGHT.
A subtropical low is expected to move southwards across the North
Island overnight Wednesday and early Thursday morning. This low is
fairly fast moving so rainfall amounts are not expected to be
excessive, however, localised bursts of intense rainfall are likely
over a short period of time tonight, affecting Coromandel Peninsula,
Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne.
People in these areas are advised that these localised heavy falls
are likely to bring surface flooding and make driving hazardous.
FOR THE LATEST WEATHER AND FORECAST CHARTS PLEASE GO TO
Metservice (http://metservice.com)
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ISSUED BY METSERVICE AT 0712hrs 22-Mar-2012
THE FAST MOVING LOW THAT BROUGHT THE BRIEF HEAVY RAIN TO PARTS OF THE
NORTH ISLAND LAST NIGHT HAS MOVED AWAY TO THE SOUTHEAST AND THE RAIN
HAS EASED. THE WATCH IS LIFTED FOR ALL AREAS.