Easter weekend may have a soggy ending for the Far North. A heavy rain warning for Te Tai Tokerau warns up to 160mm of rain could fall within 24 hours, and Easter drivers could encounter hazardous conditions.
A warning has been made for midnight tonight until midnight Monday, with rain particularly fierce in the north and east of Northland.
Between 25 to 40mm of rain could fall per hour, which could amount to between 120 and 160mm of rain in some areas throughout Monday.
MetService is warning that surface flooding and slips are possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Drivers returning after the Easter holiday weekend are warned to take care.
There has also been a strong winds warning for the Auckland Harbour Bridge this afternoon, with speed limits reduced as a result.
Forecasters said a low to the northwest of the North Island is behind the forecast for localised downpours.
More heavy rain is expected later in the week, spreading throughout the country and moving south.