UPDATED 9.31PM:Â Whanganui is declaring a civil defence emergency as heavy rain threatens severe floods.
Around 200 homes in Anzac Parade, Taupo Quay, and Putiki need to be evacuated before 10am tomorrow, with flooding expected tomorrow afternoon.
MORE:Â Cliff collapses in Auckland, people missing
LISTEN: Dan Corbett - 'A month's worth of rain in the next 24 hours'
Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall says schools will be shut tomorrow and highways are closing - so people should get out now.
He says they can go to Whanganui Girls' College where an emergency centre is set up.
McDouall say teams will be sent out to make sure effected homes are empty.
The MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm warning across Auckland and Northland, with very heavy rain due imminently.
The service warned very heavy rain can cause flash flooding near streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
Rain saw the Waitotara River rapidly rise this afternoon, forcing the closure of a school and roads.
Meanwhile, urgent stabilisation work is set to be carried out on a riverbank along SH2 in Upper Hutt tonight as bad weather approaches.
It will take place near the Te Marua golf course from half past six this evening.
Firefighters are busy dealing with flooding incidents across Auckland. Houses and garages have been inundated, especially in east of the city and at Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
Shift Manager Jarron Philips said firefighters have been trying to stop water getting into Wentworth Primary School at Gulf Harbour.
Heavy rain has closed seven schools in the Waikato, Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatu regions today, as well as two early childhood centres in the Wairarapa.
The Ministry of Education says further closures are likely over the next two days.
It's urging parents to keep in contact with schools and early learning services, as they will have the best information in case of flooding.
Â
Â
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
