Weather: Red heavy rain warning for Northland, residents urged to evacuate today if feeling unsafe

A red heavy rain warning is in place for Northland until 4am Friday, covering the area east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangarei. Whangarei District Council and Northland Civil Defence are urging anyone who feels unsafe to 'leave today' during daylight hours. MetService has described the event as an 'impactful multi-hazard event' with rainfall totals between 270mm to 370mm expected. A State of Emergency has been declared for Whangārei and the Far North as flooding begins to surround homes and close roads. Auckland, Coromandel, and Bay of Plenty are also under orange warnings for heavy rain and strong winds up to 120km/h.