Heavy rain warning issued for Coromandel as storm system approaches

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Pedestrians on Victoria St in Hamilton are feeling the effects of the storm too.

A heavy rain warning has been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula as a slow-moving low pressure system approaches New Zealand from the Tasman Sea.

MetService has placed Coromandel under an orange heavy rain warning from 9am to 8pm on Wednesday, with 70mm to 100mm of rain forecast and peak intensities of 25mm to 40mm an hour in possible localised downpours and thunderstorms.

There is a low chance the warning could be upgraded to red.

The warning has a low probability of being upgraded to red.

The warning comes as forecasters expect heavy rain and severe gales to affect parts of northern and central New Zealand through Thursday as the low moves over the North Island.

MetService said streams and rivers could rise rapidly, with surface flooding, slips and hazardous driving conditions possible. Residents are being urged to clear drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas and take care on the roads.

While some risks will come with the wet, there will also be plenty of puddles.

Meanwhile, much colder conditions are expected across the South Island on Thursday, with heavy snow forecast for higher elevations, particularly in North Canterbury and Marlborough.

Forecasters say there remains significant uncertainty in the track and intensity of the system, with further watches and warnings likely to be issued or upgraded.