More heavy rain, strong winds predicted

The remains of Tropical Cyclone Wilma have prompted weather experts to today issue yet another heavy rain warning for Northland – but this one may bring gale force winds with it too.

MetService forecasters say while Wilma will no longer be classed as a Tropical Cyclone by then, it is still expected to bring heavy rain to Northland tomorrow afternoon.

Graeme MacDonald, Civil Defence Emergency Management Senior Programme Manager for the Northland Regional Council, says by the time that rain clears around lunchtime on Saturday, parts of Northland may once again have received 150mm to 200mm of rain.

He says that’s the equivalent of a month or two’s rain, however, unlike last weekend, where similar amounts fell over about 36 hours, the latest deluge is expected to occur over a much shorter period; less than 24 hours. Rainfall may also reach 30mm per hour at its heaviest during the early hours of Saturday.

Once again, that will mean parts of the region could see surface flooding as rivers rise quickly.

“The rain is also expected to be accompanied by strong or gale force winds, particularly for exposed parts of the region and forecasters are also predicting heavy northeast swells and very rough seas for eastern coastal areas.”

Mr MacDonald says Civil Defence officials will monitor the situation and the usual warnings apply for farmers with stock in low-lying areas to move them to higher ground, for motorists to stay off the roads where possible and boaties to make sure vessels are secure.

ENDS

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