The New Zealand Fire Service is working with other emergency agencies to prepare for the impact of the severe storm predicted for Northland and parts of Auckland this afternoon.

A taskforce of 16 personnel, two fire appliances, a lighting rig and four wheel drive vehicle is on its way to Northland to support the local brigades and stations.

Region Manager, Assistant National Commander Brian Butt said parts of Northland are often cut off by floods at Kawakawa and in the Waipu-Ruakaka area. "We are travelling up now while it is safe and in daylight, to get ahead of the weather."

The appliances will be positioned where they are most needed and will be crewed 24/7 by a mix of volunteer and career personnel from Auckland and Northland.

Mr Butt said the Fire Service is working closely with Civil Defence and other emergency services to assemble resources and work on contingency plans for both Auckland and Northland.

© Scoop Media