A large but fairly docile low in the Tasman Sea is creeping closer to New Zealand.  While it’s not aggressive it is slow moving and has a fair bit of rain associated with it.

Here are the latest rain warnings, valid as of 3pm Thursday, issued by the government forecaster Metservice.

Bay Of Plenty

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty Rain is forecast to develop on Friday and become heavy in the evening. In the 18 hours from midday Friday to 6am Saturday, expect 90 to 120mm, mostly falling after 6pm Friday. Heaviest falls of 15 to 20mm/hr are likely Friday night and before dawn on Saturday.

Taumarunui

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Tongariro National Park and the Kaimanawa Mountains Scattered rain should develop overnight tonight, then become widespread and persistent Friday morning. In the 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Friday, expect 60 to 80mm peaking at 10 to 15mm/hr late afternoon or early evening.

Rotorua

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty Rain is forecast to develop on Friday and become heavy in the evening. In the 18 hours from midday Friday to 6am Saturday, expect 90 to 120mm, mostly falling after 6pm Friday. Heaviest falls of 15 to 20mm/hr are likely Friday night and before dawn on Saturday.

Taupo

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Tongariro National Park and the Kaimanawa Mountains Scattered rain should develop overnight tonight, then become widespread and persistent Friday morning. In the 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Friday, expect 60 to 80mm peaking at 10 to 15mm/hr late afternoon or early evening.  

Taranaki

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Mt Taranaki Rain is forecast to develop overnight tonight and become heavy early Friday morning. In the 12 to 15 hours from 3am Friday, expect 60 to 80mm but 100 to 120mm is possible on upper slopes. Peak intensities of 15 to 20mm/hr are likely Friday afternoon.

Nelson

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Ranges of northwest Nelson Rain is forecast to develop this evening and become heavy overnight. In the 12 to 15 hours from midnight tonight, expect 60 to 80mm peaking at 10 to 15mm/hr late Friday morning or early afternoon.

Nelson Lakes

Heavy Rain Warning, Areas Affected: Ranges of northwest Nelson Rain is forecast to develop this evening and become heavy overnight. In the 12 to 15 hours from midnight tonight, expect 60 to 80mm peaking at 10 to 15mm/hr late Friday morning or early afternoon.