MetService New Zealand has upgraded Northland to its first ever Red Heavy Rain Warning, as well as a Severe Thunderstorm and Strong Wind Watch for the region.

Northland Civil Defence Controller Graeme MacDonald says a Red Warning is only issued for the most impactful events and today’s is the first time one has been issued for Northland.

MacDonald says with the newly-forecast heavy rain coming on top of the constant heavy rain we’ve been having, streams and rivers may rise rapidly and become dangerous.

"Surface flooding, slips and flood water are likely to close roads and disrupt travel. Flooding of low-lying areas is also possible."

MacDonald says for the 24 hours from 4am tomorrow (Tuesday 31 January) to 4am Wednesday 01 Feb, MetService is now forecasting between 100 to 140 mm of rain, especially in the North and east of the region.

However, he warns localised areas may receive as much as 140 to 220 mm over that same period.

"Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h are expected, but again, localised areas could see 25 to 40 mm/h from thunderstorms."

Forecasters says the rain is expected to start in the north, with potential impacts being seen across the region by Tuesday afternoon.

There is also a Severe Thunderstorm watch from 4am tomorrow (Tuesday) until 4am Wednesday and a Strong Wind watch from 10am tomorrow (Tuesday) to 2am Wednesday.

MacDonald says the Northland Civil defence team is currently monitoring the situation in close contact with MetService and the Northland Regional Council Hydrology team.

"This afternoon we met with all three of Northland’s district councils, local emergency services and other key stakeholders and we are all preparing to respond if need be."

"With this new warning the key message to Northlanders is to please stay prepared, have a plan in case you need to evacuate, keep up to date with the lasted information and weather conditions, and most importantly avoid any non-essential travel tomorrow and potential Wednesday morning - if you must drive, please drive to the conditions and keep an eye out for hazards."

MacDonald says things are changing quickly with this weather system and urges people to keep up to date at: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#upper-north

Key preparations you can make:

• Secure outdoor furniture and structures
• Relocate items from any areas of your property that are prone to flooding
• Relocate stock from flood prone areas and bring pets inside
• Have supplies including food and medications ready in case of any power outages or if you are isolated for a period
• Have a grab bag and a plan in case you need to evacuate

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF NORTHLAND CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY GROUP.

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