New Zealand: Severe weather forecast across northern regions through at least Oct. 31 /update 2

Severe weather is forecast across northern New Zealand through at least Oct. 31. A low-pressure system just north of New Zealand is forecast to track south-southeastward, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of northern and eastern North Island.

As of Oct. 30, the New Zealand National Meteorological Service (MetService) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange Heavy Rain Warning (middle level on a three-tier scale): Bay of Plenty west of Matata including Rotorua, Coromandel Peninsula, inland ranges of Hawke's Bay south of State Highway 5, and Tairawhiti/Gisborne.

• Orange Strong Wind Warning: Coromandel Peninsula.

• Yellow Heavy Rain Watch: Northland.

• Yellow Strong Wind Watch: Kaimai Range and eastern Waikato.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

State Highway 1 is closed between Kitchen and Makene roads through the Mangamuka Gorge due to multiple landslides and damage. State Highway 25 is closed in both directions at the Tairua River, by the intersection of Hikuai Settlement Road, due to flooding, while State Highway 25A between Kopu and Hikuai is closed due to a full road collapse at a large washout. Some Gulf and Pine Harbour ferries are canceled Oct. 30. Reports indicate that almost 1,000 people in Kaipara and Whangarei districts, more than 1,300 properties in the Far North District, and around 135 properties in Coromandel, Taranaki, Manawatu, and Wairarapa districts have experienced power disruptions.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will probably render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities are likely to temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flight delays and cancellations at airports are probable.

Localized business disruptions are likely in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.