Updated 4:41pm — Areas of heavy or set-in rain continue to affect parts of the Upper North Island although the rain-band has broken up a bit.  

The area of rain is a little broken up and patchy but intense in pockets.

It’s basically too cold and lacking energy for thunderstorms, but a few were detected around Northland overnight last night as the centre of the low develop and tracked over.

Heavy rain may continue off and on for this very northern part of Auckland/southern Northland and also northern and eastern Coromandel Peninsula for the rest of today, and overnight. However patchier lighter falls are likely into the mix as we head towards and through Thursday, as the main rain maker starts to drift a little further east away from land and out to sea.

WeatherWatch.co.nz advises this weather may lead to further road closures, floods, slips and powercuts over the next 6 to 12 hours, but any problems should be fairly localised.

The rest of the nation is mainly sunny and settled.

Update from 9am Weds AM

Farms are already going underwater in northern parts of Auckland and WeatherWatch.co.nz is advising plenty more heavy rain is yet to come in and flooding may get worse.

The narrow but heavy rain is feeding in from the east, covering Great Barrier Island and areas north of Albany and south of Whangarei.

The mainly rural / farming areas are somewhat prone to flooding – especially with slow moving rain bands like this.

Motorists are advised to drive with extreme care and with lights on and watch for possible slips and flooding.

Farmers are advised to stay well away from flood waters and not try to cross any flooded highways or tracks.

Image / 9am rain radar via NZ Taxpayer/MetService

– WeatherWatch.co.nz