2pm Update

Rain is clearing from Northland and Auckland – but heavy rain remains across much of the North Island this afternoon.  Image / weather.com

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NOTE: 

This will be the last update on this link for this event.  For any further updates on the rainstorm this evening simply go to our homepage.

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Torrential rain has fallen across the country today causing surface flooding, a string of car accidents, rain fade with satellite feeds and causing problems with a burst sewerage pipe in Wellington.

Around noon the large band of rain began to ease across Auckland and Northland with smaller rain bands moving in this afternoon.  “There will be dry or drizzly patches followed by brief periods of heavy rain or showers – however conditions are easing in the north”.

As of 2pm 27 rain warnings remained in place with just Southland, Fiordland, Wanganui, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne remaining free of weather warnings.

Mr Duncan says the low is now more intense than it was when it was a category 1 cyclone with air pressure falling into the 980hPa range.

This morning new rain warnings were issued by government weather forecaster MetService to include parts of Canterbury and Otago. Reports of surface flooding have come in from Christchurch city today.  Conditions in Christchurch have eased significantly already with WeatherWatch.co.nz expecting showers and drizzle to continue for the next day or two.

Mr Duncan says the low has tapped into a saturated pool of tropical air and is feeding it down over the North Island.

Despite conditions easing in northern New Zealand Mr Duncan says unstable weather means people should avoid streams and rivers.  “Isolated heavy downpours are more likely this afternoon which may cause localised flash flooding”. 

Central areas of the North Island, including Bay of Plenty, are likely to see heavy rain for much of the afternoon, especially eastern areas. 

 For a full list of the rain warnings click here.

The rainstorm, previously a weak category 1 tropical cyclone called Innis near New Caledonia, combined with an area of low pressure in the Tasman Sea during Thursday – a low that was associated with the widespread floods across Queensland.  “They’re all linked together which is why we’re paying so much attention to this system.  It has the possibility to flood rivers here”.

“We’re not telling people to panic, we’re asking people to just be aware of their surroundings and to ensure they understand what this storm is capable of doing” says Duncan.

MetService has dropped their warnings of weak tornadoes in the north for this afternoon.

What happens next?

Winds will pick up from Wellington southwards over the weekend but nothing severe is likely.  The lows centre will slowly track along the Fiordland coastline bringing heavy rain to the West Coast.  Those planning to be outdoors in the South Island’s west coast this weekend are advised to be up to date with the latest rain warnings as more may be issued for Saturday.

Very high seas and dangerous waves are also expected along the West Coast.

The low will move away by Monday, replaced by a high in the north.  The next low looks set to move in from the south west next week mainly affecting the lower South Island.

Send us your photos!

We want to see your rain photos…flooding creeks, streams or rivers, surface flooding – or just you outside in the wet stuff!  Send them in by using the Upload Your Photos link.

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REGULAR UPDATES – WeatherWatch.co.nz will be updating regularly throughout today, be sure to check back for updates.