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Heavy rain has begun to fall across the Far North as ex-tropical cyclone Hola begins to bear down on New Zealand – but many residents are holding out for hope as the storm is forecast to taper off tomorrow.
WeatherWatch says winds will reach 100km/h with gusts to 130km/h today as the storm slides along the northeastern side of the upper North Island.
Hola, the third major storm to hit the country this year, is expected to dissipate early tomorrow.
WeatherWatch chief analyst Philip Duncan said the weakening eye of the cyclone was expected to be a few hundred kilometres north of Northland by midnight last night and move from northwest to southeast.
At 5am on Monday, MetService’s rainfall radar showed light to heavy rain starting to fall in New Zealand’s far north, including Cape Reinga.
MetService said heavy rain would fall across affected areas overnight, with some areas receiving up to 60mm in nine hours.
WeatherWatch says a small but “powerful” rainfall is headed our way.
“The best forecast is that this rain will hit Northland and possibly even the Coromandel Peninsula, but the heaviest rain will probably be in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and the northern ranges of Hawke’s Bay,” Duncan said.
“This rainfall may cause flooding and landslides in these areas and impact state highways.”
It is also thought that the winds in this system would vary greatly during its existence and could potentially form wind tunnels.
“One factor that may limit wind damage to specific areas without causing widespread damage is the various wind tunnels, and another factor is the destructive winds of the (new) low-pressure center.
“But these winds will only cause damage near the centre. So if the centre is still offshore, the strongest winds will also cause damage.”
MetService said the latest models predicted Hora would move quickly across the northeastern North Island today, bringing severe weather to the upper eastern parts of the North Island.
Eastern areas from Northland to northern Hawke’s Bay could receive up to 150mm of rain, with wind gusts of up to 130km/h.
have Severe Weather Warning And observe in place.
Heavy rain warnings have been issued for Northland, Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne.
A strong wind warning has been issued for Northland, Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Gisborne.
MetService is warning people in these areas to monitor weather updates as heavy rain could cause river levels to rise quickly.
MetService warns that ground flooding and landslides are also possible, so drivers are advised to be aware of potentially dangerous conditions.
Meanwhile, Vector said it has crews on standby in case the hurricane causes any damage to the power grid.
Chief network officer Andrew Botha said rescue teams were ready to go as soon as it was safe to do so in case stormy weather brought lines down.
Botha urged people to tie down items such as trampolines and outdoor furniture that could be blown away in the storm.
“And always treat downed wires as live wires and stay away from them.”
Heavy Rain Warning:
Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Waikato,
North of Hastings, Hawke’s Bay:
Heavy rain is expected tomorrow morning and will ease in the evening.
Rainfall could reach short-term warning levels (60 mm in nine hours)
High Wind Warning:
Taupo, Hawke’s Bay, from Hastings northwards: The wind will develop into a southeasterly wind tomorrow afternoon, and may strengthen into a gale in some areas. It will turn into a southerly wind in the evening and gradually weaken.
Source: MetService
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