More rain on the way, a lot fallen in Northland already
Saturday 23 February 2008, 9:08AM
By Metservice
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Heavy rain has continued in parts of Northland overnight, and further heavy
falls are expected during today (Saturday). Heavy falls have also spread to
northern parts of Auckland, and are moving down the Coromandel Peninsula.
In the South Island, heavy rain is expected to spread today to the ranges of
northwest Nelson, also Fiordland, and the Westland ranges south of Otira.
The heavy rain is being brought by a strong moist north to northeast airtream. A
frontal band should be crossing the country from Saturday night, and behind this
front, the rain should ease. However, another cold front should move onto the
South Island from Sunday afternoon,bringing another burst of heavy rain to the
South Island West Coast.
People in these areas, particularly Northland, should look out for rapidly
rising rivers and streams, and remain up to date with the latest forecasts and
warnings.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY MANAGERS AND TECHNICAL USERS FOLLOWS:
HEAVY RAIN WARNING
AREA/S AFFECTED: NORTHLAND, AUCKLAND NORTH OF ALBANY, COROMANDEL PENINSULA, THE
RANGES OF NORTHWEST NELSON, FIORDLAND, ALSO THE RANGES OF WESTLAND SOUTH OF
OTIRA
FORECAST:
NORTHLAND
Further heavy falls are expected during Saturday, with the rain
easing from the north this evening. In the 9 hours from 9am to 6pm
Saturday, expect 70-90mm.Heaviest falls should be in the eastern
hills north of Whangarei, including the Bay of Islands, where
intensities could reach 15mm per hour at times.
AUCKLAND NORTH OF ALBANY
In the 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Saturday, expect 50 to 70mm of rain.
COROMANDEL PENINSULA
In the 18 hours from 9am Saturday to 3am Sunday, 70 to 90mm of rain
is expected.
THE RANGES OF NORTHWEST NELSON
In the 24 hours from noon Saturday to noon Sunday, expect up to 120mm
of rain.Heaviest falls Sunday morning, with intensities reaching
15-20mm per hour.
THE RANGES OF WESTLAND SOUTH OF OTIRA
Rain should become heavy this afternoon. In the 21 hours from noon
Saturday to 9am Sunday, expect up to 200mm. Heaviest falls Sunday
morning, with intensities reaching 25-30mm per hour. A further burst
of heavy rain is expected Sunday night.
FIORDLAND
Rain should become heavy this afternoon. In the 15 hours from 3pm
Saturday to 6am Sunday, expect up to 120mm of rain. A further burst
of heavy rain is expected later Sunday.
FREEZING LEVEL: South Island freezing level above 3300 metres.