Bay of Plenty weather warning upgraded as deep sub-tropical low arrives

Weather warnings have been upgraded in the Bay of Plenty as “significant” heavy rain and gales bear down on the upper North Island. A deep subtropical low will start affecting the country today, with Far North areas now under a red warning from MetService – its highest alert level for severe weather. Bay of Plenty, west of Whakatāne, is under an orange heavy rain warning for 42 hours from 9am Thursday. The region could expect 200mm to 250mm of rain, with a high chance of a warning upgrade to red. MetService said the orange level came with dangerous river conditions, flooding and slip warnings. “Dangerous driving conditions and road closures are expected. “Do not enter floodwaters and avoid unnecessary travel. Be ready for communication and power outages. Be prepared to self-evacuate if you see rising water.” The orange warning is also in place for Coromandel for 36 hours from 6am Thursday. “This will be an impactful multi-hazard event,” MetService said. Meteorologist Silvia Martino told the Herald rain would start spreading south into Northland this afternoon. “The rain starts to get heavy in the evening and it really is a long period of heavy rain for them,” she said. Martino warned of consistent rain “for a couple of days”. MetService said the heaviest rain was likely in the upper North Island, especially from Northland to western Bay of Plenty. “Downpours, flooding and slips are possible on Thursday and Friday.” A Bay of Plenty Civil Defence spokesperson said they continued to actively monitor the current weather situation. “We’re working closely with local councils and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Flood Room. “We urge communities to take care if they’re out and about as heavy rain may lead to surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions. “Streams and rivers may also rise quickly, so please avoid low‑lying areas and remain cautious."

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