Heavy downpours overnight caused the water mains in Kawakawa to break, leaving many people without water.

Four tankers are currently stationed around the township to supply water to residents free of charge.

Far North District Council contractors are on site to fix the pipe, which is located up a steep bank.

The break is said to have occurred at about 9pm last night.

Residents are being encouraged to bring their own containers to fill up with water.

The tankers are stationed at the Bay of Islands College carpark, Boswell Street, Waiomio Road and Albert St.

A Far North District Council social media post stated the repair did not begin until dawn over safety concerns during windy and wet conditions.

According to MetService, Kerikeri has recorded 50mm of rain in the last 24 hours - more rain than it has recorded in the last 30 days.

Northland was braced for wet weather over the weekend and a severe weather watch was updated to a warning for this afternoon.

The warning for Northland will last from 3pm today until 10am tomorrow. A severe thunderstorm watch is also in place from 11pm today until 8am tomorrow.

Downpours may occur in localised places bringing with them a risk of flooding.

More to come.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.