There are warnings wet and windy weather in Northland will likely have an impact on traffic in the region.
Waka Kothi NZ Transport Agency said the heavy rain and winds affecting Northland on Easter Monday will cause delays to traffic.
It comes after Metservice issued an orange heavy rain warning for Northland from midnight on Sunday to midnight on Monday.
The forecaster said residents should expect up to 160mm of rain in some parts of Northland, along with thunderstorms, localised downpours and strong winds.
"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous."
MetService has also issued a heavy rain watch for eastern parts of Auckland north of Orewa as well as Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay Of Plenty west of Tauranga.
The forecaster said the watch for eastern parts of Auckland is in place from 7pm on Monday to 1pm on Tuesday, which could see localised downpours and thunderstorms. The warning in place for the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty is from 7pm on Monday to 7pm on Tuesday with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms possible, which could approach warning criteria, MetService said.
Kobus Du Toit, Waka Kotahi systems manager for Northland, said the weather will likely result in heavier than usual holiday traffic on Monday and urged drivers to delay travel if possible.
"For those needing to head home from their Easter break, we urge you to remain alert while driving and expect the unexpected.
"If you must travel, drive to the conditions, slow down and maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Stay alert for unreported hazards, such as surface flooding, slips, fallen trees and branches, and treat any downed powerlines as live."
Waka Kotahi has asked drivers to check their intended travel routes for hazards or disruptions before setting out by using its journey planner.
Traffic predictions by Waka Kotahi show the busiest times were likely to be between 12pm and 5pm on Monday, with traffic heaviest between Wellsford and Puhoi on State Highway 1.
"Congestion and delays will be inevitable today, so please be patient and take regular breaks to stay alert and avoid fatigue," Du Toit said on Monday.
To keep safe on the road Waka Kotahi advises all drivers to:
- Drive to the conditions - whether it's the weather, the road you're on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads
- Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely, especially if the roads are wet
- Make sure your vehicle is safe to drive - check tyres, wipers, lights and indicators
- Ensure you have a valid WoF (Warrant of Fitness).
