Area Coromandel Peninsula,Waikato,Bay of Plenty,Rotorua,Taupo,Gisborne
An unstable and moist atmosphere brings a risk of thunderstorms to parts of the North Island today. For eastern parts of Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taupo, and northern Gisborne/Tairawhiti, there is also a moderate risk of localised downpours with rainfall rates of 25 to 40 mm/h until late evening. Note, Severe Weather Warnings and Watches for widespread heavy rain are also in force for some of these regions.
Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
Area Wairarapa, Tararua District and the Tararua Range
Expect 120 to 160 mm of rain about the eastern hills and Tararua Range, and 50 to 80 mm about the rest of Wairarapa. Intensities of 20 to 25 mm per hour about the hills and ranges, especially overnight Sunday to Monday. Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible. Chance of upgrading to a Red Warning: Low. Changes: Upgraded to Warning (Orange).
Area Inland Whanganui and Manawatu north of Marton, also Taihape
Expect 100 to 150 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h. Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible. Chance of upgrading to a Red Warning: Low.
Area Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast
Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Chance of upgrading to a Warning: Moderate.
Area Whanganui
South to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Chance of upgrading to a Warning: Moderate.
Area Manawatu and Taihape
Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Chance of upgrading to a Warning: Moderate.
Area Hawke's Bay south of Waipukurau, the Ruahine Range and eastern Hawke's Bay hills from Cape Kidnappers southwards
Expect 100 to 140 mm of rain. Intensities of 20 to 30 mm per hour are possible, especially overnight Sunday to Monday. Changes: Upgraded to Warning (Orange). Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible. Chance of upgrading to a Red Warning: Low.
Area Wairarapa and the Tararua District
Severe gale southwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Chance of upgrading to a Red Warning: Low.
Area Gisborne/Tairawhiti south of Poverty Bay and Hawke's Bay
Severe gale west to southwesterlies with damaging gusts of 130 km/h in exposed places, especially about the coast. Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Chance of upgrading to a Red Warning: Moderate.
How to get your community ready
1.Know your neighbours
Neighbours are often the first people who can help in an emergency.
Building strong local connections increases safety and resilience. You may also identify people in your neighbourhood who could need extra support, such as older people, disabled people, those living alone, or people with English as a second language.
Ways to connect
- Share contact details so you can reach each other during an emergency.
- Talk with neighbours about your emergency plans and ask about theirs.
- Create a local contact network to check in with each other and share information.
- Let each other know when an Emergency Mobile Alert has been issued.
2.Create a community emergency plan
A Community Emergency Plan is developed by the community, for the community, in conjunction with your local Council Emergency Management Advisor.
No one knows your community better than the people who live in it.
When developing your plan, consider
- Local risks and hazard history
- Community strengths, vulnerabilities, and local assets or facilities that could be useful
- Alternative communication methods, such as radios, notice boards, or community messengers
- People or groups who may need extra support during an emergency
- Key community connections, networks, and official information channels
A community plan helps everyone understand how to work together when it matters most.
3.Volunteer in your community
Volunteers play a vital role before, during, and after an emergency.
Whether you volunteer regularly or help out occasionally, your involvement helps promote preparedness and strengthens community resilience across the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
Groups and networks in your community may include
- Neighbourhood Support
- Volunteer, church, and sports groups
- Schools and early learning services
- Marae
- Service organisations
Getting involved before an emergency helps communities respond and recover more effectively.