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• More than 1500 properties in Northland lost power due to severe wind gusts and heavy rain.
• Northland Civil Defence and Auckland Emergency Management urge caution and preparedness for flash flooding and hazardous driving conditions.
• Gisborne is also in the wild weather’s firing line with intense rainfall expected this evening.

Over 1500 homes lost power in Northland and multiple roads were forced to close due to slips and flooding.

Northland Civil Defence recorded 130mm of rainfall overnight in Kāeo and the river is rising and hit a warning level for State Highway 10.

As of 9am, Northland Regional Council reported on its website that the Kāeo River had reached a warning level.

Aucklanders are being warned to secure outdoor furniture and prepare for short-notice harbour bridge lane closures as a slow-moving subtropical low affects the North Island.

Meanwhile, Gisborne is also preparing for intense rainfall with Tairāwhiti Civil Defence warning of flash flooding and slips.

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In Whangārei, the district council reported that multiple slips and fallen trees have blocked Finlayson Brook Rd, Marua Rd and Memorial Drive.

Nearly 1000 properties are without power in Whareora, Glenbervie, Tikipunga, Maungatapere, Kamo and Kokopu.

Hundreds of properties are also without power in the Far North.

Top Energy says 557 customers have had their electricity supply cut in Hokianga and 89 in Awarua. The website says a tree has fallen on lines just after 7am affecting the Awarua supply.

MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden said the rain had peaked over the past few hours.

“It’s been really particularly heavy early this morning.”

Lynden said a “good band of precipitation” will likely cause the heavy rain to linger in the morning.

Further south in Auckland, 100km/h gusts are battering exposed areas of the east coast.

The harbour bridge is experiencing strong 75km/h gusts as people make the morning commute.

The NZ Transport Agency urged caution on the bridge and said reduced speed limits and lane reductions are possible until 4pm.

Lynden said that over the next 24 hours, Auckland is likely to see 30-40mm of rain, heavier in the northern regions.

MetService has issued an 18-hour orange heavy-rain warning for Northland which doesn’t lift until 2pm today.

A heavy rain warning has been issued until 10pm for Coromandel, with Auckland and the far north of Tairāwhiti under heavy rain watches.

Auckland has also been issued a strong wind watch from 4am until noon today, with MetService warning easterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms in northern parts of Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, as well as the Hauraki Gulf and Great Barrier Island, during the morning.

‘Take extra care’ - Northland Civil Defence 

Northland’s Civil Defence group has warned people to “keep an eye on the weather and take extra care” because of the risk of torrential rain. 

An orange heavy rain warning is currently in force for Northland for broad-scale heavy rain until 2pm, along with a severe thunderstorm watch until 8am. 

“Embedded within the rain-band severe thunderstorms may also produce intense localised rainfall of 25-60mm/h [or possibly more] in some places,” it warned. 

“Rainfall of this intensity will cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. 

“Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.” 

‘Take extreme care’ on bridge 

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises caution driving over the Auckland Harbour Bridge today with the potential of short-notice lane closures and reduced speeds for safety. 

Crews will be closely monitoring state highways while MetService’s warnings are in place. 

“NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi [NZTA] is advising all road users to take extreme care, especially high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists in the wind and for those who come across any surface flooding, from rising rivers and streams nearby,” NZTA said. 

“It’s really important to drive to the conditions, adjust your speed and following distance when you need to and be alert for the possibility of surface flooding or debris on roads.” 

The bridge is expected to maintain a 4x4 lane configuration during peak traffic hours today. 

AEM’s advice to Aucklanders 

Auckland Emergency Management has urged Aucklanders to take action now to prepare for the weather. 

• Check your drains and gutters to ensure they aren’t blocked. These can cause flooding issues during heavy rain. 
• Secure outdoor furniture and items in your backyard. 
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast in your area. 
• Take care if you are driving in heavy rain. Do not drive through floodwaters. 
• If life or property is at risk, phone 111. 
• Looking out for neighbours, friends and family is important, especially if you live, work or travel in an area that is prone to flooding, slips or power outages. 
• Fallen trees or debris on public property can be reported to the Auckland Council using its online “Report a Problem” tool on its website. 
• Phone on 09 301 0101 for blocked stormwater drains. 

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.