MetService have issued a Heavy Rain Warning for the District north of Ruatoria and the ranges between us and Bay of Plenty. Heaviest rain is expected about the ranges with peak rates of 20 to 30mm possible during Thursday morning. They have also issued a Heavy Rain Watch for the rest of the District.

I have spoken to the MetService Duty Officer and he believes the heaviest fall on the ranges will also be at the northern end of the District. He has advised that there is quite a bit of variation with the models for tomorrow so although the rain and wind likely to be north easterly to start with it will depend on where the front moves and whether the wind turns onshore or not tomorrow which will impact on how much rain the District will get. Heaviest rainfall expected tomorrow.

Details for the Warning & the Watch are shown below.

The Warning & Watch should be updated around 9:00pm tonight.

Heavy Rain Warning
For Bay of Plenty east of Opotiki, Gisborne north of Ruatoria and the Gisborne ranges. Valid: 24 hours from 3:00 pm Wednesday to 3:00 pm Thursday. Periods of heavy rain. Expect 100 to 120mm of rain, especially about the ranges. Peak rates of 20 to 30mm/hr possible during Thursday morning.
Heavy Rain Watch for Gisborne
Heavy Rain Watch Area: Gisborne away from the ranges and south of Ruatoria, also the Wairoa District Valid: 18 hours from 9:00pm Wednesday to 3:00pm Thursday Forecast: Periods of heavy rain.

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