More heavy rain is expected in a number of regions over the next few days. Photo: RNZ / Eveline Harvey
Regions across the country are preparing for more rain as MetService issues a number of severe weather warnings.
Earlier heavy rain watches for Marlborough and northern Canterbury have been upgraded to orange heavy rain warnings, with MetService saying Marlborough, the Canterbury Plains and the Canterbury High Country could expect between 30 and 60 millimetres of rain until early this afternoon.
Peak rates of between 15 and 25 millimetres per hour were likely.
⛈ The risk of thunderstorms and localised downpours over parts of the country increases tomorrow. (There are low risks in some areas today). Check out the latest thunderstorm outlook here https://t.co/BZWb806UfN ^SG pic.twitter.com/Y5LwO6RKpm
— MetService (@MetService) February 25, 2023
The heavy rain could cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, with surface flooding and slips also possible, MetService said.
Heavy rain watches are also in force for Gisborne and the Coromandel Peninsula from early tomorrow, as another complex weather system moves onto the North Island.
State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki - which was extensively damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle - has been reopened 24/7 under temporary speed management.
MetService said Hawke's Bay, Bay of Plenty and Auckland may also experience heavy rain, but the risk of severe weather for these areas was low.
Warnings of more cyclones
MetService has also said that more cyclones may be forming further north but it is too early to tell if they will affect New Zealand.
A tropical low is moving westwards towards Vanuatu and is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone early this week, MetService said.
Potentially 2 tropical cyclones developing this week. At this stage, the risk of either directly impacting New Zealand is relatively low. However, there is a lot to happen before the tracks becomes certain so things could change. https://t.co/7wKJumOqMX is updated daily. ^SG pic.twitter.com/Rohi2kb1VH
— MetService (@MetService) February 26, 2023
"At this stage, the risk of it directly impacting New Zealand after it leaves the tropics is relatively low as it should track to the northeast of us in about a week's time," a MetService spokesperson said.
"However, indirect impacts such as rain and large swells for eastern areas are more likely. There is still a lot to happen before the track becomes more certain so things could change."
There is also another low in the Coral Sea that has an increased risk of developing into a tropical cyclone later in the week and could follow a similar path.
"We are near the historical peak of the cyclone season, so it is not unusual for tropical cyclones to develop this time of year."
MetService's tropical cyclone activity page is updated daily and they will signal any threats in the Severe Weather Outlook if necessary.
