Severe weather warning as Cyclone Dovi approaches - The Bay's News First

MetService advises that warnings and watches for heavy rain and severe gales are now in force for many central and northern districts of New Zealand as Cyclone DOVI makes its presence felt.

Cyclone DOVI is forecast to approach New Zealand from the northwest on Saturday and may cross central New Zealand on Sunday.

A band of heavy rain precedes the centre of DOVI is already affecting central New Zealand.

Gale to severe gale winds associated with DOVI are expected over parts of central and northern New Zealand this weekend.

Significant and hazardous waves with the potential of hazardous cross and rip currents are expected in association with Cyclone DOVI. Swell warnings are already in force for parts of the North Island.

The MetService advises that there is some uncertainty regarding the exact timing and track of DOVI as it moves near or across New Zealand later this weekend and the areas that are likely to be most significantly affected may change. Expert meteorologists at MetService are closely monitoring this situation.

People are strongly advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts from MetService and to follow official advice from authorities.

Heavy Rain Warning is in place for the regions listed below.Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Waitomo, Taumarunui Valid: 13 hours from 9:00 pm Friday to 10:00 am Saturday Forecast: Expect a further 70 to 110mm of rain to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 20 to 30mm/h. Please note, periods of heavy rain may continue into late Sunday and this warning is likely to be extended.

Area: Taranaki Valid: 37 hours from 9:00 pm Friday to 10:00 am Sunday Forecast: Expect a further 180 to 280mm of rain to accumulate about the Mountain, and 60 to 120mm about low lying areas. Peak rates of 20 to 30mm/h. Please note, that rain is expected to ease for a time on Saturday morning.

Area: Tongariro National Park and Taupo about and south of Turangi Valid: 40 hours from 9:00 pm Friday to 1:00 pm Sunday Forecast: Expect a further 120 to 220mm of rain to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 15 to 30mm/h. Please note, that rain is expected to ease for a time Saturday morning. The remainder of Taupo is now under a heavy rain watch.

Area: Tasman west of Motueka Valid: 21 hours from 3:00 pm Saturday to 12:00 pm Sunday Forecast: Expect 100 to 130mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h. Please note, that while some rain is forecast for Saturday morning, this is no longer expected to be significant. MetService forecasters will, however, closely monitor the situation.

Area: Horowhenua and Kapiti Valid: 42 hours from 9:00 pm Friday to 3:00 pm Sunday Forecast: Expect 110 to 170mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h. Please note, that rain is expected to temporarily ease Saturday morning.

Area: Marlborough Sounds, Richmond and Bryant Ranges, and Rai Valley Valid: 25 hours from 11:00 am Saturday to 12:00 pm Sunday Forecast: Expect 100 to 130mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h. Please note, some rain is forecast for Saturday morning but it is not expected to be significant. MetService forecasters will, however monitor the situation closely.

Area: Tararua Range Valid: 45 hours from 9:00 pm Friday to 6:00 pm Sunday Forecast: Expect 200 to 300mm of rain to accumulate. Peak intensities of 15 to 30mm/h. Please note, that rain is expected to temporarily ease early Saturday morning.

Area: Wellington and Wairarapa excluding the Tararua District Valid: 42 hours from 9:00 pm Friday to 3:00 pm Sunday Forecast: Expect 130 to 200mm to accumulate. Peak rates 15 to 25mm/h. Please note, that rain is expected to temporarily ease Saturday morning.

Area: Eastern Marlborough about and south of Ward Valid: 18 hours from 9:00 pm Saturday to 3:00 pm Sunday Forecast: Expect 90 to 130mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h. Please note, the heaviest falls of rain are expected from Saturday evening through to Sunday.