Weather warnings have been expanded to encompass more of the South Island and parts of the North Island as heavy rain and strong winds approach New Zealand from the Tasman Sea tomorrow.
MetService said a “rapidly deepening low” would approach and cross the South Island on Friday and Saturday, with associated fronts sweeping across the North Island.
While orange-level heavy rain warnings have already been issued for parts of the West Coast and upper South Island, the latest update shows the impact zone widening.
The regions under heavy rain warnings as weather set to intensify – Watch on TVNZ+
Taranaki, Wellington and parts of Marlborough and Canterbury were now under orange-level strong wind warnings, with severe gale northerlies gusting up to 140km/h in exposed places.
“Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.”
Further south, Southland is now under a heavy rain watch, with forecasters warning rainfall could approach warning levels as the system tracks down the country.
Inland parts of the lower North Island, Taihape and inland Whanganui, have been placed under a strong wind watch from Friday evening.
MetService meterologist Alwyn Bakker said yet another round of heavy rain was forecast to hit the West Coast.
“Further warnings are likely to be issued for this event, and for the ranges of Westland District the total rainfall for Thursday through Saturday is expected to reach 500 to 600mm.”
Those living in regions under weather warnings should clear drains and gutters as well as secure items that could be picked up by strong winds.
“In general, avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.”
Strong winds would also push heavy swell into some marine areas, Bakker added, peaking at above 6m on the West Coast on Saturday before spreading to most areas of the country exposed to the south on Sunday.
Full list of weather watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Tasman District northwest of Motueka – 31 hours from 12pm Thursday to 7pm Friday
Buller District – 33 hours from 10am Thursday to 7pm Friday
Westland District – 10 hours from 9am to 7pm Thursday
Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur’s Pass – 9 hours from 9am to 6pm Thursday
Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers – 3 hours from 9am to 12pm Thursday
Ranges of Nelson and Marlborough between Nelson City and the Awatere River, also Nelson Lakes National Park – 27 hours from 6pm Thursday to 9pm Friday
Grey District – 34 hours from 9am Thursday to 7pm Friday
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Taranaki – 9 hours from 3pm to midnight Friday
Wellington – 14 hours from 3pm Friday to 5am Saturday
Marlborough southeast of the Awatere River – 9 hours from 3pm to midnight Friday
Canterbury High Country north of the Rangitata River – 18 hours from 2pm Friday to 8am Saturday
Heavy Rain Watch
Taranaki Maunga – 7 hours from 4pm to 11pm Friday
Mainland Southland – 11 hours from 4pm Friday to 3am Saturday
Strong Wind Watch
Taihape and inland Whanganui – 8 hours from 6pm Friday to 2am Saturday
Buller, Grey and Westland north of Whataroa – 4 hours from 2pm to 6pm Friday
Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound – 6 hours from 6pm to midnight Friday
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