New Zealand: Adverse weather forecast for parts of Bay of Plenty and Gisborne through early April 21

Officials have issued orange heavy rain warnings for parts of the Bay of Plenty east of Rotorua on April 20. The warning is active through 23:59 April 20. A yellow rain watch is also active for the Gisborne/Tairawhiti area through 02:00 April 21.

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 or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible.