A low pressure system currently lying to the northeast of New Zealand is set to end the week on a wet and windy note.
“While there is still some uncertainty on the severity of the heavy rain and strong winds forecast ahead of this low, it
is certain that northern and eastern regions of the North Island will see some wild weather this Sunday” April Clark
MetService Meteorologist said.
Severe Weather Watches and Warnings are already in force over areas north (and including) the central plateau along with
parts of the Nelson and Marlborough regions. These Warnings and Watches are largely for the potential of strong easterly
winds and heavy rain, though a greater confidence in the likelihood of rainfall totals reaching 70mm or above about
ranges between Gisborne and Bay of Plenty mean they are under a Heavy Rain Warning already.
“The reason this event is different from your usual winter storm, is due to its coincidence with king tides” Clark
reported, “Not only is the usual surface flooding, slips and flying debris a risk on Sunday, but king tides combined
with low pressure and heavy northeast swell mean that sea inundation is a possibility for vulnerable eastern coasts from
Northland through to the Bay of Plenty” she continued.
Those in at risk areas are urged to keep an eye on the forecast as Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Watches may be added to or
upgraded to Warning this evening as the exact path of the low center becomes more certain. Those concerned about
disruptions or damage due to sea inundation should also keep up to date with tide times and our marine forecasts along
with any advice from their local councils as they head into Sunday.