New thunderstorm warning for Northland, as clean-up on SH1 at Brynderwyns continues

A new severe thunderstorm watch for Northland has been issued on Sunday, with a warning winds could reach a violent storm scale.

MetService warned the burst of thunderstorms could hit anywhere in Northland until 7pm on Sunday.

“These thunderstorms are fast moving and there is a potential for severe thunderstorms producing winds gusting 110km/h or stronger,” a spokesperson said.

Earlier on Sunday, the agency’s radar detected severe thunderstorms in an area northwest of Whangārei at about 9.30am on Sunday, causing it to issue a red, severe thunderstorm warning.

The warning was accompanied by advice from the National Emergency Management Agency, which says as a storm approaches people should take shelter indoors. During and after the storm, people should beware of fallen trees and power lines, and avoid streams and drains due to flash flooding.

Meanwhile, it will be slow going on State Highway 1 between Northland and Auckland, after wild weather brought down a slip on Saturday at the Brynderwyn Hills, south of Whangārei.

An NZ Transport Agency spokesperson said a temporary 30km/h speed restriction would remain in place for some time.

“Crews have been hard at work on-site all day clearing slip material brought down by heavy rain,” they said on Saturday night.

“NZTA will continue monitoring the hill for any more movement to ensure it remains safe for road users.”

Thr agency was unable to say on Sunday afternoon if the speed restriction remained in place.

Northlanders and holidaymakers were left frustrated after a new slip during the final weekend of the school holidays closed the highway less than one month after it was reopened.

Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo said he’s feeling “the same frustrations as everyone in Northland”.

“We were promised the Brynderwyns would open up and there’d be no issues, and yet we’ve had a situation where it’s failed,” he said.

Meanwhile, the weather bomb which caused the slip has moved off, leaving showers in its wake for the rest of the North Island.

MetService forecaster Heath Gullery said showery conditions were expected for the North Island today with a trough passing across the island.

While southerlies are forecast to bring a few showers to the southern and eastern parts of the South Island.

Temperatures across the North Island were forecast to be mild today, Gulley said.

“It looks like much of the west-north-westerlies are forecast to be quite mild.”

“It’s going to be cool, but nothing unusual. We’re not expecting any unusual temperatures this time of year.”

Gullery said a south-west flow was expected to pass through New Zealand, starting late Monday and into Tuesday.

“There will be some showers across pretty much the south and east of the South Island and much of the North Island,” he said.