MetService says heavy rain and gale-force winds are set to lash much of New Zealand. Photo: Screengrab / MetService
Heavy rain and gale-force winds are forecast to lash much of the country over the next three days, with MetService issuing a raft of orange and yellow warnings and watches.
A humid northwest flow, ahead of an approaching front, is expected to bring widespread downpours and damaging winds from late Tuesday through Thursday.
Rivers could rise rapidly, slips are possible, and motorists should drive cautiously.
Heavy rain warnings (orange)
- Canterbury headwaters (south of Lake Marion): Up to 200mm of rain expected from 7am to 10pm Wednesday, with peak intensities of 25-35mm per hour. Snow level around 2000m.
- Otago headwaters: Up to 200mm of rain expected between 3am and 4pm Wednesday. Snow level 1800m.
- Westland ranges: Up to 200mm from 5am to 10pm Wednesday, with possible thunderstorms.
- Fiordland (north of Doubtful Sound): Up to 140mm expected from 1am to 2pm Wednesday.
MetService said there is a "low chance" any of these will be upgraded to red warnings.
Strong wind warnings (orange)
- Canterbury High Country: Severe northwesterlies gusting up to 130kmh from 1am to 10pm Wednesday.
- Wellington: Severe gales up to 120kmh from 6pm Wednesday until 6am Thursday.
Winds could damage trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures.
Motorists, particularly those in high-sided vehicles or on motorcycles, are urged to take extra care.
Heavy rain watches
- Fiordland (Doubtful Sound southwards): Periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms from 1am to 11am Wednesday.
- Grey and Buller ranges, northwest Tasman: Heavy rain with possible thunderstorms from 7pm Wednesday to 4am Thursday.
- Tararua Ranges: Heavy rain early Thursday, from 2am to 8am.
Strong wind watches
- Southland and Otago (inland areas): Strong winds from 7pm Tuesday through to 12pm Wednesday.
- Canterbury Plains and Christchurch: Winds could reach severe gale strength between 1am and 10pm on Wednesday.
- Wairarapa and Tararua District: High risk of severe gales from 8pm Wednesday through to 12pm Thursday, with MetService warning of possible damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures. Driving conditions may also be hazardous.
- Marlborough (southeast of the Wairau River and the Sounds): Gales are possible from 4pm Wednesday through to 5am Thursday.
MetService is urging people in affected regions to clear gutters and drains, secure loose items around homes and farms, and stay alert for rapidly changing conditions.
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