As exclusively predicted at the start of the week WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters are concerned about another, more aggressive, sub-tropical low heading towards New Zealand and this morning the government forecaster issued a rain warning well in advance.

The Metservice says in the 40 hours between midday Sunday and the early hours of Tuesday expect 150 to 200mm of rain about the eastern hills. 70 to 100mm could fall in other parts of Northland during this period. Intensities could reach 20mm per hour at times in the eastern hills on Monday.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says rainfall amounts this high can cause slips and significant low level flooding and advises farmers to move stock to higher ground today or early tomorrow morning.

Following other flooding events this year and last WeatherWatch.co.nz also reminds residents to have enough water and food for three days in case any isolated communities are cut off due to flooding.

There is some good news – the low is likely to track into the central Tasman Sea, which could spare other regions from a deluge, including Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz