Ex-tropical Cyclone Tam continues to lash northern New Zealand, bringing strong winds, torrential rain, and severe thunderstorms to Auckland, Coromandel, and Bay of Plenty overnight.
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Auckland, warning of intense downpours with rainfall rates of 25 to 30 mm per hour and total accumulations of 50 to 60 mm within three to four hours.
The heaviest rain is expected east of a line from Kaukapakapa to Waiuku, affecting Waitākere, the North Shore, Auckland Central, and South Auckland.
The slow-moving band of thunderstorms, linked to the remnants of Cyclone Tam, is tracking eastward, with conditions potentially easing in western areas after 1am Saturday.
Transport Disruptions and Power Outages
- State Highway 25 on the Coromandel Peninsula has reopened after earlier closures due to flooding and slips.
- Power companies are working to restore electricity to thousands of customers in Northland, with some repairs expected to take up to three days.
- Air New Zealand has cancelled several early morning flights and is closely monitoring weather conditions nationwide.
MetService maintains multiple weather warnings and watches across the upper North Island, urging residents to stay alert for rapidly changing conditions, surface flooding, and hazardous driving conditions.
Authorities advise people to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for possible further disruptions as the system moves south.
