Weather warnings and watches - 13-16 February 2026
State of Emergency declared in Ōtorohanga
***update 9.50am, Saturday 14 February - Severe Thunderstorm Warning for South Waikato and Taupō.
MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near ORAKEI KORAKO, WAIKITE VALLEY and ATIAMURI. These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the south, and are expected to lie near ORAKEI KORAKO and ATIAMURI at 10:00am and near TAUPO, ORAKEI KORAKO and MOKAI at 10:30am. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.
Impact: Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
The Heavy Rain Watch has been lifted, however the Severe Thunderstorm Watch for eastern parts of Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato, and Taupō remains in place.
Do not try to walk, swim, or drive in floodwater. Even just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.
Help others if it is safe to do so, especially people who may require assistance.
If life, health, or property is in danger, call 111 immediately.***
***update 9.20am, Saturday 14 February. Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Heavy Rain Warning for parts of Waikato.
MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for eastern parts of Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato, and Taupō.
While the Severe Thunderstorm Warning RED for South Waikato and Ōtorohanga and the Heavy Rain Watch Orange for Coromandel Peninsula has been lifted, a Heavy Rain Watch remains in place for Waikato South of Hamilton and Waitomo.
Several roads in the Waikato Region have been affected overnight. Keep up to date at NZTA.govt.nz/journeyplanner.
Roads closed:
- State Highway 39 - Pirongia to Otorohanga
- State Highway 3 - Te Awamutu to Otorohanga (by Mangaorongo Road)
- State Highway 31 - Kawhia to Tihiroa
Roads open with traffic management in place:
- State Highway 25 - Whitianga to Hikuai
- State Highway 2 - Paeroa to Waihi
- Awakino near Awakino River Bridge
Do not try to walk, swim, or drive in floodwater. Even just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.
Help others if it is safe to do so, especially people who may require assistance.
If life, health, or property is in danger, call 111 immediately. ***
***Update 6.25am Friday 14 February - severe weather warning leads to Ōtorohanga declaring a state of emergency.
To read more, see Ōtorohanga District Council's website or follow their FaceBook page.***
***Update 7.40pm, Friday 13 February - Severe Weather Warning RED – South Waikato and Ōtorohanga 13 February 2026.
MetService has issued a RED warning for South Waikato and Ōtorohanga, valid from 7pm to 12 midnight.
Stay inside. Don't drive unless absolutely necessary.
Landslips:
Be on the look out for the following signs:
- small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes
- sticking doors and window frames
- gaps where frames are not fitting properly
- outside fixtures such as steps, decks, and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house
- new cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces
- tilting trees, retaining walls or fences
Flooding:
- Rivers, banks, and streams can rise rapidly
- Do not attempt to drive, swim, or walk through flood waters
- Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag near. Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities. Follow any instructions about evacuation of your area. Self-evacuate if you feel unsafe.
- Move pets to a safe place and move stock to higher ground. If you have to leave, take your pets with you. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them.
- Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to.
- Move valuable and dangerous items as high above the floor as possible. This includes electrical equipment and chemicals. Use watertight containers to store important items.
- Lift curtains, rugs and bedding off the floor.
- Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need your help.
Get ready
Storms — Get Ready (NZ Civil Defence) — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand ***
Update 4.40pm, Friday 13 February -
Severe Thunderstorm Warning RED! South Waikato, Waipa, Waitomo, Taupō, Ōtorohanga and Rotorua.
This line of severe thunderstorms is moving towards the southeast, and is expected to lie from PAEWHENUA to MANGAKINO to ORAKEI KORAKO at 04:52 pm and from WAIPA VALLEY to WHAKAMARU to WAIRAKEI at 05:22 pm.
Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
Download the MetService New Zealand app for the latest weather notifications. www.Metservice.com/weather-apps
Update at 4.20pm, Friday 13 February 2026
MetService New Zealand have issued a Heavy Rain Warning - Orange for Coromandel Penninsula valid from 10.30am until 10am tomorrow, Saturday 14 February.
We're expecting 120mm to 150mm of rain, with the chance of 200mm in localised areas if downpours occur. Intensities of 20mm to 25mm per hour are likely, but there is the chance of downpours with 25mm to 40mm per hour.
Download the MetService New Zealand app for the latest weather notifications. www.Metservice.com/weather-apps
First published at 3.20pm on Friday, 13 January 2026
More information
MetService forecasts
Changes to the weather can occur quickly, so please keep up to date with the latest forecasts. For national severe weather information, MetService is New Zealand’s only authorised provider of Severe Weather Alerts.
Road conditions
With heavy rain, streams and rivers will rise rapidly, slips may occur and trees may fall. As a result, there may be road closures, so please check with your local council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for the latest information.
As driving conditions are hazardous, avoid unnecessary travel. If you are on the roads, in particular travelling to or from a holiday hotspot on the east coast.
Remember, never enter, swim or drive through flood water.
Be prepared
If you haven’t already:
- Clear drains and gutters
- Secure loose outdoor items
- Move valuables and vehicles away from flood prone areas
- Relocate stock from low lying land and bring pets indoors
- Have essentials ready in case of power outages or road closures
- Have a grab bag and evacuation plan ready.