Heavy rain and storms persist as seen in this morning's MetService weather station report from Tauranga.

According to MetService, ex-cyclone Tam has been "very gradually losing intensity," yet there are still predictions of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms for various regions across the country today. Auckland experienced its second severe thunderstorm warning within two days, with one weather station reporting 18mm of rain within just one hour. Heavy rain alerts have been issued for significant portions of the South Island, including orange warnings for parts of Tasman and North Canterbury, and yellow rain watches for Buller, parts of Tasman, Marlborough, North Canterbury, Christchurch, and Banks Peninsula.
The forecaster cautioned that "rainfall of this magnitude can lead to surface and/or flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas such as streams, rivers, or narrow valleys, and can also cause landslides." A yellow severe thunderstorm watch has been put in place for Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, and Taihape, with experts advising that the slow-moving weather pattern could bring heavy rainfall, localized downpours, potential hail, and flash flooding. "These storms may produce localized downpours with rainfall rates ranging from 25 to 40 mm/h along with hail," the forecaster noted.

MetService meteorologist Alex Holden informed 1News that while ex-Cyclone Tam has been "very gradually losing steam, it still has some impact left." Around 5pm, surface flooding was reported in Westport, located at the top of the South Island, influenced by the inner spiral of Cyclone Tam. At one point, an hourly rainfall accumulation of 25mm was recorded. Holden classified that as a downpour, meaning anything exposed outdoors would be thoroughly soaked. He added that such rainfall is typical for severe thunderstorm events. A thunderstorm watch for inland areas of the North Island will be in effect from 1pm to 9pm today, covering regions from central Hawke's Bay to Tongariro National Park. Holden mentioned that a high-pressure front moving in from the west today would begin to calm the weather, reducing rainfall. "The chance of thunderstorms will significantly diminish tomorrow (Tuesday), and we can expect a break from severe thunderstorms for some time," he stated.

NIWA confirmed that remnants of ex-Cyclone Tam will still bring unsettled weather to central New Zealand tomorrow. "Naturally, once the long weekend concludes, better weather will follow! A high-pressure system is set to usher in a more settled week ahead," they noted online. Roads Affected by Flooding and Landslips: State Highway 1 near the Brynderwyn Hills, north of Auckland, was partially blocked last night due to a landslip. A temporary speed limit was imposed, and drivers were advised to "consider delaying their travel through the area or to allow for extra driving time." In Gisborne, the New Zealand Transport Agency announced that State Highway 35 remains closed between Wharf Rd, Hicks Bay, and Lottin Point Rd, Pōtaka due to flooding, urging travelers to "avoid the area or postpone their journey." To the north of Westport, flooding overnight caused State Highway 67 to close between Hector and Mokihinui, with drivers advised to delay their travel plans in that region.

AEM Thanks Aucklanders: In a social media update, Auckland Emergency Management expressed gratitude to local residents for their safety during numerous emergency updates and alerts over the long weekend. "All weather watches and warnings have now expired, and the worst of the severe weather this weekend has passed," they reported. Complete List of Watches and Warnings: Cyclone Tam and its associated troughs are still anticipated to impact the country through Sunday night and Monday, resulting in heavy rainfall across parts of the South Island.

Below is the full list of current watches and warnings: - Severe Thunderstorm Watch:
 - Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Taihape: 8 hours from 1pm Monday to 9pm Monday.
- Heavy Rain Warning - Orange: - Areas: Tasman northwest of Motueka: 14 hours from 8pm Sunday to 10am Monday.
- North Canterbury about and north of the Waimakariri River: 14 hours from 8pm Sunday to 10am Monday.
- Heavy Rain Watch: - Buller District and Nelson/Tasman about and southeast of Motueka, including the Bryant and Richmond ranges and the Rai Valley: 13 hours from 8pm Sunday to 9am Monday.
- Marlborough (excluding the Sounds, Richmond Range, and Rai Valley): 16 hours from 8pm Sunday to midday Monday.
- North Canterbury between the Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers, including Christchurch and Banks Peninsula: 10 hours from 8pm Sunday to 6am Monday. A new severe thunderstorm watch has been issued this morning for Northland and Auckland.