Posted: 15 August 2007
Heavy rain may cause surface flooding in North
Eastern and central parts of Northland may face up to 150mm of rain in 24 hours tomorrow with surface flooding possible, forecasters are warning.
The MetService today issued a severe weather warning predicting heavy rain that is expected to spread south during Thursday morning.
Graeme MacDonald, Hazard Management Team Leader for the Northland Regional Council, says up to 70mm of rain may fall over a six to nine hour period, with a total of up to 150mm possible in 24 hours.
“Forecasters say there is still a little uncertainty over when and where the heaviest falls are likely to be, but at this stage it appears that the eastern and central areas of Northland will be at the greatest risk.”
He says in the areas from the Bay of Islands north, the heavy rain is expected to fall over a 24 hour period from about midnight tonight. Further south, the rain will fall over 24 hours from about 6am tomorrow.
“The greatest rainfall is likely in the east and about the central hill-country.”
Mr MacDonald says if the rain falls in the amount predicted, Northlanders should watch for surface flooding in the usual places. They are also advised to keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings.
Mr MacDonald says officials will keep a close watch on the weather as it develops.