By 1News Reporters
43 mins ago

Orange strong wind warnings have been issued for Northland and Auckland,
while the former is also subject to an orange heavy rain warning.


It comes as a deep subtropical low approaches the country.


MetService said up to 180mm of rain is expected in Northland, while severe easterly gales could gust up to 140km/h overnight from Wednesday into
Thursday.


For Auckland, an orange strong wind warning is in force from Wednesday
evening with 120km/h severe easterly gales in exposed places.


Damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures are possible, the forecaster said.


The list of watches also has expanded across the North Island.


Heavy rain watches are also in place for Auckland and Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau, including Rotorua and the Kamai Range. All have a chance of being upgraded to a warning.


Strong wind watches are in place for Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and
Waitomo, Taumarunui and Taihape and Taranaki about and west of Taranaki
Mounga.


Buller on the South Island's West Coast is also under a strong wind watch.


Warnings and watches will be updated by 9pm.

Wind could create 'hazardous' conditions for Easter travel - meteorologist Metservice meteorologist Heather Keats said the "significant event" would
bring weather not seen in those regions for some time as the winds come from
a northeasterly direction.


Auckland Airport had not seen a wind gust greater than 80km/h from that direction since May 2019.


"When the land hasn't been exposed to wind coming from that direction, it can expose quite a lot of vulnerabilities within the environment around it," she said.


Keats said the strong wind gusts could bring down trees and power lines, leading to disruptions.


"It will be difficult to drive in exposed spots, maybe even the Auckland Harbour Bridge."


With many expected to hit the roads for Easter, Keats urged travellers to be prepared.


"There will be a lot of people travelling, and it could be quite a hazardous week to do it."

Add storm prep to holiday checklist - Auckland Council
Setting aside half an hour to prepare your home and property for bad weather before getting on the road could prevent unnecessary damage and disruption, said Auckland Emergency Management general manager Adam Maggs.


"Securing or storing outdoor furniture and umbrellas ahead of bad weather doesn't take much time and could prevent these items from becoming damaged or damaging your property," he said, adding the winds could pick up small or
loose items and flip trampolines or lightweight outdoor furniture.


"Rubbish and recycling bins can also be easily blown over so keep that in mind."


Maggs said the council waste team advised residents to put their bins out on the day of collection rather than the night before to prevent them being
blown around Auckland streets.


Checking drains, gutters and trees or plants on your property that may lose branches or clog drains was also important, he said.


"Anything on your property that may wash into the stormwater system and cause blockages should be removed. Clearing gutters and drains on your property
will also help prevent damage, leaks and flooding."

Forecast grounds air show in Marlborough
The Classic Fighters 2025 Airshow in Marlborough has been cancelled due to
the forecast "severe weather event".


The show, which is held at the Omaka Aerodrome in Blenheim every second
Easter, was scheduled to take flight from April 18-20.


In a statement posted to Facebook yesterday, organisers announced the event
had been cancelled.


"The combined Classic Fighters and Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Trusts met this afternoon and determined that the risks involved with attempting to run CF2025 at Easter are too significant.


"The weather event forecast for Easter indicates almost a week of rain, low clouds, lower-level winds, and turbulence that would prohibit any display flying over Easter."


A full list of watches and warnings
Heavy rain warning - orange


Northland - 41 hours from 3am Wednesday to 8pm Thursday


Strong wind warning - orange


Northland - 29 hours from 3pm Wednesday to 8pm Thursday


Auckland and Great Barrier Island - 27 hours from 9pm Wednesday to midnight Thursday


Heavy rain watch


Auckland and Great Barrier Island - 24 hours from 3am Thursday to 3am Friday


Coromandel Peninsula - 27 hours from 3am Thursday to 6am Friday


Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau, including Rotorua and the Kamai Range - 24
hours from 12pm Thursday to 12pm Friday


Strong wind watch


Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Waitomo - 27 hours from midnight Wednesday
to 3am Friday


Taumarunui and Taihape - 24 hours from 6am Thursday to 6am Friday

Taranaki around and west of Taranaki Maunga - 24 hours from 6am Thursday to
6am Friday


Buller - 24 hours from 3am Thursday to 3am Friday

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