20/01/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/1823ww86DH/
Update 22/01/26.
MetService New Zealand Red Heavy Rain Warning was lifted last night (Wed 21 Jan) after 11 PM.
See our latest post for details: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland/posts/pfbid02EtahrNUBKLpYSUA7FvthwPeEXxQQ1MtEw42AV8H8uxoP4ZYz8Mu1PCM9F5qibCD8l
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🔴 MetService New Zealand has upgraded Northland's Orange Heavy Rain Warning to a Red Heavy Rain Warning. A Red Warning is only issued for the most impactful events.
With this heavy rain coming on top of the constant heavy rain we’ve been having, streams and rivers may rise rapidly and become dangerous. Surface flooding, slips and flood water are likely to close roads and disrupt travel. Flooding of low-lying areas is also possible.
The main period of concern remains the next bout of rain that is forecast to arrive later today, and will continue overnight; especially for communities that have already experienced impacts from previous rainfall.
🔴 Full warning details:
Heavy Rain Warning - Red
-Period: 14hrs from 9am - 11pm Wed, 21 Jan
-Area: Northland
-Forecast: Expect another 90 to 120 mm of rain on top of what has already accumulated, or possibly more in some localised areas, especially in the north and east. Peak rates 25 to 40 mm/h in localised downpours from this afternoon.
-Impact: Threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips. Conditions will disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities.
-Action: Do not enter floodwaters and avoid travel. Act quickly to self-evacuate if you see rising water. Be ready for power and communications outages.
📡For the latest update on the warnings head to: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -
Taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference, and even if conditions aren’t as severe where you are, there’s no harm in being prepared.
For anyone who hasn’t yet, or who needs a reminder — if it is safe to do so:
-Clear drains and gutters
-Secure loose outdoor items
-Move valuables and vehicles away from flood-prone areas
-Relocate stock from low-lying land and bring pets indoors
-Have essential supplies ready in case of power outages or road closures
-Have a grab bag and evacuation plan ready
If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111 📞
📍Your local district council is the best place to both report issues with and get updates on, local infrastructure, such as local roads.
Northland Civil Defence works across the councils to provide local welfare support. If centres or marae are open to provide support, they will be published on the district council websites below:
Whangarei District Council | Phone: 0800 932 463 | Website: www.wdc.govt.nz
Far North District Council | Phone: 0800 920 029 | Website: www.fndc.govt.nz
Kaipara District Council | Phone: 0800 727 059 | Website: www.kaipara.govt.nz
🔌Power outages:
Whangārei & Kaipara Districts (Northpower): https://northpower.nz/outages/
You can contact the Northpower faults line: 0800 104 040
Far North District (Top Energy) https://outages.topenergy.co.nz/
You can phone Top Energy: 0800 867 363
🚧State highways: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
We’ll continue to monitor conditions closely and share updates as the situation develops.
Local councils, emergency services, and Northland Civil Defence continue to meet regularly and coordinate closely. We are monitoring the situation in close contact with MetService and the Northland Regional Council hydrology team, and are positioning resources around the region so we can respond effectively if needed.
Stay safe Northland, we got this!