Northlanders are being warned to brace themselves for heavy rain, gales and likely flooding as a sub-tropical low which could deliver a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours bears down on the region.
The rain is predicted to become heavy about 9pm tonight with 100mm to 150mm expected in the following 24 hours.
Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group spokesman Graeme MacDonald said if the rain arrived in these amounts there would be flooding and possible slips along parts of the east coast.
"Essentially there's a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours - including some very heavy hourly rainfall rates - so we're urging people to make sure they take the usual precautions and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.''
Rivers could rise quickly and a predicted 2.5m high tide due just before 6am tomorrow was likely to put more stress on already rain-swollen rivers.
"The rain is also expected to be accompanied by gale force winds from the southeast, which again could be an issue for those in exposed parts of the region.''
Mr MacDonald advised farmers to move stock to higher ground and for boaties to make sure their vessels are secure.
"Floodwaters can wash out roads or carry logs and other debris which can cause serious risks to drivers, and the force of floodwaters can also wash vehicles from roads altogether.''
Northlanders were advised to keep an eye on weather forecasts.
