Thursday, 26 March 2026 | 09:44 pm
As at 9pm Thursday 26 March, MetService is forecasting 100 to 160 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h, but 25 to 40 mm/h possible Friday morning and afternoon
There is a high chance this may be upgraded to a Red Warning. This level of rainfall can lead to dangerous river conditions, flooding, and slips. Please avoid unnecessary travel and never enter floodwaters.
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There are many different ways you can stay informed about what is happening before, during and after an event. Find out more about how to stay informed and up to date.
Stay Informed
As at 10am on Thursday 26 March 2026, MetService New Zealand have updated the Orange Heavy Rain Warning in place for our region, west of Whakatane, until 1am Saturday, 28 March. Expect 180 to 230 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 20 mm per hour, but 25 to 40 mm per hour from early Friday morning. There is still a high chance of this being upgraded to a Red Warning.
The rainfall forecast is still likely to bring dangerous river conditions, flooding, hazardous driving conditions, and landslides, so please take care.
Some safety reminders:
- Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, and surface flooding is possible, so if you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings - head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
- Never try to walk, swim, drive through or play in flood water.
- Postpone travel and outdoor activities if you can. Large amounts of rainfall and strong winds can cause slippery roads, landslides, and fallen trees.
- Landslides can happen without warning and are often triggered by heavy rain. Stay alert and look out for the warning signs: small slips, rock falls, new cracks or bulges on the ground, tilting trees, fences and fixtures, water flowing out of a slope, sticking window frames and doors, and unusual noises. If you see any of these, act quickly, get away from the slope and call 111.
- Be mindful that power and communication networks may be disrupted in severe weather. Now is a good time to check your power company’s contact details, so you know who to contact, and where to get power updates relevant to you, in the event of a power outage.
- Check your local radio station frequency so you know how to stay informed in case phone or wifi networks are disrupted. For more information about staying informed, visit our website: https://www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz/stay-informed/
We know severe weather events can be unsettling. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will share any relevant information as and when it comes in.
In the meantime, please keep an eye on your local councils, MetService, and NZTA social media channels (see their tags below) and websites to stay informed with the latest updates, roading and weather information for your area.
Stay safe, and look out for each other. 
