15/04/2025
There's some rough weather coming over the next few days, so if you need to travel please drive safely, with both eyes on the road and minimal distractions 🙏
Our Osteopathy Clinic will still be open tomorrow and Thursday, so if you're coming in to see Rochelle or John please allow yourself some extra travel time for the weather, or let us know if you can't make it in 🙂
Ngā mihi ✨
See the Pinned post for the latest update.
11.50 am 17/04 update: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland/posts/pfbid02C3xGMVSp9afLQR4c3Sr4Du5VFVZHvUk6rz9TDjXUqZjrXXzQARPKgXrypez8TV24l
Updated 7 am 17/04:
Well, that certainly was a windy night, with many areas seeing gusts over 100 km/h. The highest rainfall totals have been in eastern areas, with Ohaeawai recording 119.5 mm so far.
The rain has started to break up over the region, but further rain is expected with MetService’s rain warning extending until later tonight.
Many rivers in the Far North are running at high levels, with some still rising. If you are planning to travel through Kaeo or the Waimate North area this morning, please be cautious. The Kaeo River has reached a level where flooding on SH 10 is possible. Check NZTA’s page for the official status before heading out: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/northland or follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland
There are no current road closures reported; however, as roading teams head out this morning, we are likely to see some, especially with early reports of fallen trees. Crews will work to clear these as quickly as possible, but please allow for delays.
If you come across any local roading issues or storm related damage on public property, please report it through to your local council:
• Whangarei District Council: https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Council/Contact-us/Report-it
• Kaipara District Council: https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/contact-us
• Far North District Council: https://www.fndc.govt.nz/Your-council/Contact-council
There are numerous power outages around the region, with potentially over 24000 customers without power this morning. Northpower and Top Energy NZ crews will be out today working to resolve these issues as soon as they can, but this may take some time.
Check the latest outages here:
• Northpower: https://northpower.nz/outages/
• Top Energy NZ: https://outages.topenergy.co.nz/
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates here as more information becomes available.
Please continue to drive to the conditions, or stay at home if you’re able to.
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Updated 9.00 pm 16/04:
We have seen strong winds and heavy rain pick up this afternoon. As we head into the evening, further heavy rain and strong winds are expected, especially in northern and eastern areas.
MetService has updated the current weather warnings for Northland. On top of the rain that has already fallen, they are expecting an additional 90 to 130 mm, with peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h likely on Thursday and possible thunderstorms. Gusts of 120 km/h in exposed places, with damaging gusts of 140 km/h, are also possible tonight and Thursday morning, especially in the north.
You can view the full warnings here: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
For those on the coast, northeasterly gale winds will generate large waves onto the Northland coast tonight into Thursday. Swells of 5 to 6 metres, with additional large wind-driven waves, may cause coastal inundation and erosion. There is a possibility that low-lying coastal roads and state highways could see some inundation around high tides. NZTA has allocated additional crews to monitor the Far North state highway network and will work with local councils if any detours are required.
Eight Far North District roads have been impacted by the severe weather, with two closed as of 4pm:
• Pukepoto Road – closed due to flooding
• Waimatenui/Mataraua Road – blocked by fallen trees but due to be cleared soon
See Far North District Council's update here for further information on these closures: https://www.fndc.govt.nz/council/Latest-news/news-items/2025/April/tropical-cyclone-tam
There are currently no reported state highway closures.
With further rain and wind expected tonight, please take particular care on the roads, especially during the hours of darkness and early morning, as you might be the first to come across surface flooding, slips, or debris on the road. Report any hazards blocking the roads to your local council.
Power outages have been affecting parts of the region today, and severe weather conditions continue to impact the power network. There are currently several outages remaining across the region. For safety reasons, both Northpower and Top Energy crews will be standing down for the night. It’s likely that customers without power now will remain without power overnight.
Their teams will continue to respond to emergency callouts overnight to make damaged parts of the network safe, with full restoration efforts resuming as soon as it is safe to do so. Please treat all power lines as live at all times.
Check the latest outages here:
• Northpower: https://northpower.nz/outages/
• Top Energy NZ: https://outages.topenergy.co.nz/
Lastly, a reminder that if you feel you, your family, and/or your property are at risk, contact emergency services on 111.
Our duty team will continue to monitor the weather overnight with our next update scheduled for tomorrow morning, but we will add key updates here if there are any major developments overnight.
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Updated 11.45 am 16/04:
Areas of heavy rain have started to move across the region this morning, with between 20-40 mm having fallen as of 9 am, mainly in the north and east. MetService has now updated their heavy rain warnings for the region. On top of what has already fallen, they are expecting an additional 100 to 150 mm, with the highest rainfall expected overnight and early tomorrow. Gusts of 120 km/h in exposed places, with damaging gusts of 140 km/h, are also still possible Wednesday night and Thursday morning, especially in the north.
For those on the coast, there are large and powerful swells predicted on the north and eastern parts of the region on Thursday 17th, and Good Friday 18th April. Please be mindful of the high tide times, and hazardous marine and coastal conditions.
🚗 ROADS:
At the moment, there are no reported road closures; however, some local roads are experiencing minor surface flooding. Roading contractors are out checking conditions and clearing debris.
To check for road closures and delays on state highways: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/northland or follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland
For local roading issues check your local council’s website or page. If you come across any local roading issues or storm related damage on public property, please report it through to your local council:
• Whangarei District Council: https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Council/Contact-us/Report-it
• Kaipara District Council: https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/contact-us
• Far North District Council: https://www.fndc.govt.nz/Your-council/Contact-council
⚡POWER:
There have been a few power outages this morning. Northpower and Top Energy NZ both have crews on standby and are working to resolve any issues as soon as they can.
Check the latest outages here:
• Northpower: https://northpower.nz/outages/
• Top Energy NZ: https://outages.topenergy.co.nz/
Early this morning, we met with local emergency services, local councils, contractors, lines companies, and partner agencies, who have all been working on their preparations and are ready to respond if necessary.
At the moment:
🌧️ Please continue to keep up to date with the forecast
🚙 Drive to the conditions, especially this evening
🧰 If you haven’t already and it’s safe to do so, please make sure you have secured what you can on your property and have the supplies you need in case of further power outages.
We’ll continue to monitor and provide a further update this evening.
Here are the updated warning details below:
🟠Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 36hrs from 9am Wed, 16 Apr - 9pm Thu, 17 Apr
Area: Northland
Forecast: Expect 100 to 150 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen. Rain easing for a time Wednesday afternoon and evening. Peaks rates of 15 to 25 mm/h likely on Thursday with thunderstorms possible. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
🟠Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Period: 29hrs from 3pm Wed, 16 Apr - 8pm Thu, 17 Apr
Area: Northland
Forecast: Severe gale easterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, with damaging gusts of 140 km/h possible Wednesday night and Thursday morning, especially in the north. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.
You can keep up to date with these warnings at:
https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north
And remember, if you feel you, your family and/or your property are at risk, contact emergency services on 111.
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Updated 7.15 am 16/04:
Morning all,
MetService’s warnings for the region remain largely unchanged at the moment, with the heavy rain warning having started at 3 am this morning and the wind warning starting at 3 pm today.
We are starting to see some heavy rain make its way across parts of the region. So, as you head out this morning, please drive to the conditions, take extra care, and report any weather-related issues on the roads or in public areas to the local council.
Local emergency services, councils, contractors, and partner agencies, including health and welfare agencies, have all been working on their preparations and are ready to respond if necessary.
The next update is expected around 11 am.
Further details can be found in the previous update below
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Well, it’s shaping up to be a very windy and wet few days ahead. MetService New Zealand has now upgraded the Watches for Northland to Orange Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Warnings. The Heavy Rain Warning is from 3am Wed, 16 Apr - 8pm Thu, 17 Apr, and the Strong Wind Warning is from 3pm Wed, 16 Apr - 8pm Thu, 17 Apr.
This system is expected to bring sustained heavy rain and severe easterly gales to many areas of Northland. These strong winds could cause damage to trees, powerlines, and any unsecured structures. Driving conditions may also be impacted, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Please take extra care on the road, particularly Wednesday night and Thursday morning when the worst winds are forecast.
If you haven’t already, secure any outdoor furniture and loose items around your property, and check you have supplies ready in your home and car in case of power outages or road closures (including some indoor activities, especially if you’re looking after kids these holidays).
Here are the warning details below:
🟠Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Northland
Period: 41hrs from 3am Wed, 16 Apr - 8pm Thu, 17 Apr
Forecast: Expect 120 to 180 mm of rain. Rain easing for a time Wednesday afternoon and evening. Peaks rates of 15 to 25 mm/h likely on Thursday with possible thunderstorms. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.
🟠Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Area: Northland
Period: 29hrs from 3pm Wed, 16 Apr - 8pm Thu, 17 Apr
Forecast: Severe gale easterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, with damaging gusts of 140 km/h possible overnight Wednesday and Thursday morning, especially in the north. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.
You can keep up to date with these warnings at:
https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north
We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one and we’ll post any key updates here on our page.
Other Useful links:
To check for road closures and delays on state highways: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/northland or follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland
🚘For local road closures or to report any issues on local roads or public property check your local council’s pages:
Whangarei District Council
Kaipara District Council
Far North District Council
⚡For power outages check:
Whangarei and Kaipara: Northpower: https://northpower.nz/outages/
Far North: Top Energy NZ : https://outages.topenergy.co.nz/
And remember, as always, if you feel you, your family and/or your property are at risk, contact emergency services on 111.
