“A Month of Rain in One Hour”: Northland Braces for Fresh Tropical Storm as Floods Wreak “Carnage”

By Lions Roar News Investigative Desk

WHANGĀREI, NORTHLAND (Tuesday, January 20, 2026) — Northland is reeling from “absolute carnage” after a weekend of extreme weather that saw Punaruku smashed by a month’s worth of rain in just one hour. With the region already underwater, Civil Defence Minister Mark Mitchell has issued a blunt warning to residents: “Take personal responsibility and get out now” before a new tropical low arrives on Wednesday.

🌊 The Punaruku Deluge: 285mm and Counting

The tiny settlement of Punaruku, 50km north of Whangārei, has become the epicenter of the crisis.

Torrential Intensity: Marcus Schlesier of the Northland Regional Council reported rain falling at 80mm per hour—an intensity usually spread across the entire month of January.
Weekend Total: The area recorded a staggering 285.5mm over the weekend, forcing local marae to open their doors as safe havens for displaced families.
Ongoing Risk: Fresh video from Tuesday shows roads remaining impassable as floodwaters refuse to recede.

⛺ “It Was Just Carnage”: The Puriri Bay Disaster

For holidaymakers at Puriri Bay, a peaceful camping trip turned into a midnight nightmare.

Floating Chilly Bins: Campers reported waking up at 1:30 AM on Sunday to water pouring into tents.
Evacuations: More than 200 people were forced to flee campsites and homes as “carnage” unfolded, with personal belongings and camping gear swept away by rising tides and flash floods.

🛡️ Minister’s Warning: “Move to a Safer Place”

Civil Defence Minister Mark Mitchell, speaking from the front lines in Northland, praised the “whole community response” from Iwi, Hapu, and first responders but warned that the worst may be yet to come.

“We know there’s a tropical low… probably going to arrive late on Wednesday,” Mitchell said. “People have time to get organized. If you’re worried or fearful, move yourself to another place where you feel safer.”

He urged residents to clear their own drains, pack “grab bags,” and strictly avoid traveling to areas already hit by the storm to stay out of the way of recovery teams.

🔌 Infrastructure & Road Update

Power Outages: In Mangawhai, Northpower teams are working to restore electricity to 235 customers after a tree took out power lines. Power is expected to be back by 6:35 PM today.
Road Closures: Significant slips have blocked major routes, including Old Russell Rd, where motorists have been spotted attempting to navigate dangerous floodwaters.

📊 Storm Survival Dashboard

Hazard	Status	Advice
Rain Warning	ORANGE (High chance of Red)	Valid until 2am Thursday.
New System	Tropical Low	Expected late Wednesday/Thursday.
Key Risk Areas	Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne.	Extreme risk of further slips and flooding.
Civil Defence	Active Operations	Follow Iwi and Council instructions.