January 27, 2011 - Heavy rain and flash flood warning for Upper North Island

This Warden Message is being used to inform U.S. citizens living or visiting New Zealand that the New Zealand Metrological Service (Met Service) has issued the following report.

HEAVY RAIN FOR NORTHLAND, AUCKLAND, WAIKATO, COROMANDEL PENINSULA, BAY OF PLENTY AND GISBORNE BETWEEN MIDDAY FRIDAY AND ABOUT MIDDAY SATURDAY.  FLASH FLOOD DANGER.


Tropical Cyclone Wilma is currently about 1000km north of New Zealand and moving to the southwest. By midnight on Friday it is expected to lie just north of New Zealand. It should lie to the north of East Cape midday Saturday, then move quickly away to the east. By the time this low passes by New Zealand it will no longer be a Tropical Cyclone but will bring strong or gale winds and heavy rain to many northern parts of the North Island. Heavy rain should spread onto Northland Friday afternoon and spread south over Auckland, Waikato, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne during Friday evening and Friday night. The heaviest rainfalls are expected in Northland where 150 to 200mm may fall in a 24 hour period. Rainfall warnings are also being issued for Auckland, eastern Waikato, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne. This rain will be accompanied by strong or gale force winds, particularly for exposed parts of Northland, Auckland, and Coromandel Peninsula. Also heavy northeast swells and very rough seas are forecast for eastern coastal areas from Northland to East Cape.


Heavy rain is likely to lead to rapidly rising streams and rivers.   Surface flooding and slips may make also make driving difficult, particularly in Northland and Auckland. People in all these areas, especially those planning outdoor activities, should be prepared for a period of strong or gale winds and very heavy rain.  Rain should clear from most areas by midday Saturday, though it may continue into the afternoon for Gisborne. FOR THE LATEST WEATHER AND FORECAST CHARTS PLEASE GO TO http://metservice.com.

In addition to danger from wind, life threatening flash floods, landslips are possible.  Coastal areas are especially vulnerable to these hazards.  U.S. citizens in coastal areas may be impacted by the storm and are strongly encouraged to monitor media reports.  If you must travel during this time please follow normal heavy rain precautions.

For the latest security information, U.S. Citizens travelling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State Internet web site: http://travel.state.gov where current Worldwide Caution Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found.

U.S.  Citizens traveling or residing abroad are encouraged to register with Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs).  It allows U.S. citizens to record foreign trip and residence information that Department of State can use to communicate with and assist citizens in an emergency.