Further heavy rain for northern New Zealand along with possible severe gale northeasterlies. Periods of heavy rain for northern and western South Island.

A strong and humid northeast flow covering the North Island spreads south over the rest of the country during Wednesday. Bursts of heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely for a number of North Island regions through into Thursday, especially with an embedded front that is forecast to move slowly southeastwards over northern New Zealand. Rain spreads onto northern and western parts of the South Island on Wednesday, and continues into Friday.

Red heavy rain warnings are in place for Northland, Auckland north of Orewa and Coromandel Peninsula.

Orange heavy rain warnings are in place for Auckland from Orewa southwards, Great Barrier Island, Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne.

Heavy rain watches are now in place for Waikato, Mount Taranaki, northwest Tasman and Westland.

A watch for severe northeast gales is also in place for Northland and Auckland, with large waves affecting eastern coastlines.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made, or further areas are added.

Heavy Rain Warning - Red

Impact: This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.

Area: Northland

Period: 19hrs from 9am Tue, 31 Jan - 4am Wed, 1 Feb

Forecast: Expect 100 to 140 mm of rain in the north and east, with lesser amounts in the west. However, localised areas may receive 140 to 220 mm. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h, mainly in the north and east, but localised areas may see 25 to 40 mm/h, or possibly more. Thunderstorms are also possible, and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in force.

Area: Auckland north of Orewa

Period: 15hrs from 5pm Tue, 31 Jan - 8am Wed, 1 Feb

Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h, but localised areas may see downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. Thunderstorms are also possible.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula

Period: 17hrs from 10pm Tue, 31 Jan - 3pm Wed, 1 Feb

Forecast: Expect 100 to 150 mm of rain about the ranges, with lesser amounts about the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h, especially about the ranges. Thunderstorms are also possible.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Auckland from Orewa southwards, and Great Barrier Island

Period: 14hrs from 8pm Tue, 31 Jan - 10am Wed, 1 Feb

Forecast: Expect 50 to 80 mm of rain, especially north of the Harbour Bridge. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h, but localised areas may see downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. Thunderstorms are also possible.

Area: Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane

Period: 18hrs from 3am - 9pm Wed, 1 Feb

Forecast: Expect 100 to 150 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h.

Area: Bay of Plenty about and east of Whakatane, also Gisborne north of Ruatoria

Period: 21hrs from 1pm Wed, 1 Feb - 10am Thu, 2 Feb

Forecast: Expect 100 to 120 mm of rain, with the largest amounts likely about Gisborne north of Ruatoria.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Tasman northwest of Motueka

Period: 13hrs from 7am - 8pm Wed, 1 Feb

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Westland south of Otira

Period: 41hrs from 4am Thu, 2 Feb - 9pm Fri, 3 Feb

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may exceed warning criteria. Note, heavy rain eases north of the Glaciers for a time Thursday evening and Friday morning.

Area: Waikato

Period: 13hrs from 2am - 3pm Wed, 1 Feb

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Mount Taranaki

Period: 20hrs from 6am Wed, 1 Feb - 2am Thu, 2 Feb

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Northland

Period: 18hrs from 9am Tue, 31 Jan - 3am Wed, 1 Feb

Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Auckland

Period: 12hrs from 6pm Tue, 31 Jan - 6am Wed, 1 Feb

Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.