Forecasters Warn of More Heavy Rain, Gales for North

Rain-weary Northland faces another drenching with forecasters warning up to 70mm rain could fall on the region in nine hours from 9pm tomorrow (subs: Saturday 28 July).

The MetService today issued a heavy rain warning for much of the upper North Island, including the Northland region, which they say should expect heavy rain and northeast gales which will spread quickly southwards tomorrow night.

Forecasters predict 50mm to 70mm rain will fall on Northland in the nine hours from 9pm tomorrow, with up to 20mm an hour likely in thunderstorms. However, from late Sunday morning, the rain is expected to ease to heavy showers with fine periods.

Graeme MacDonald, the Regional Council’s Hazard Management Team Leader, says officials will be keeping a close watch on the situation as it develops.

However, if it falls in the amounts predicted, the rain – while unwelcome – and the wind are unlikely to cause any serious new problems for the region, which is still recovering from the battering it received during a storm earlier this month.

ENDS

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