Number of pages: 01
Date: 22 February, 2008

Heavy Rain May Cause Surface Flooding in North

Northlanders – especially those north of Whangarei – are being warned to keep a wary eye on river and stream levels with about 150mm of rain expected to fall over the next day or so.

MetService forecasters issued a warning to expect periods of rain and north-east gales from about 9am today (subs: Fri 22 Feb) through to about midday tomorrow.

Dale Hansen, Water Resources/Hydrology Team Leader for the Northland Regional Council, says at this stage the heaviest rain – about 150mm - is expected north of Whangarei, especially over the eastern hill country, including the Bay of Islands.

Mr Hansen says the rain is due to a low in the north Tasman Sea that is moving slowly southeast and over the same roughly day-long period, 75 to 100mm rain is expected in the area from Whangarei south.

“Rainfall is likely to reach 10 to 15mm per hour at times today, but could peak at up to 25mm per hour in the Far North tonight or early Saturday from embedded thunderstorms. There will probably be a further 30 to 50mm from bands of showers
through to Sunday afternoon.”

Mr Hansen says if the rain falls in the amount predicted, Northlanders should keep an eye on river and stream levels and watch for possible surface flooding in usual places.

He also advises people to keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings.

Mr Hansen says officials will keep a close watch on the weather as it develops.

ENDS

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