A lingering low-pressure system is bringing rain or showers to many parts of New Zealand, with thunderstorms, large swells and strong winds affecting the centre of the country.
A heavy rain warning remains in place for Wairoa District until noon Saturday.
MetService said people could expect 150-200mm of rain there, on top of what had already fallen, especially about the Wairoa ranges. Peak rates would be 10-20mm/h.
Strong wind watches remain in force for the following areas:
- Kapiti Coast, Wellington and coastal Marlborough including the Sounds; to 4pm Friday
- Taranaki and western parts of Whanganui; to 4pm Friday
- Coastal areas of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne/Tairawhiti; to 6am Saturday
MetService warned that southerly and south-west winds may approach severe gales in exposed places.
In a post on social media, it said large, powerful, four-metre southerly swells were impacting the south and east coasts of the North Island.
There was a heavy swell warning in place for Wairarapa (Turakirae Head to Mataikona) until 8am Saturday.
Big swells – rising to 3-4m – would be accompanied by large wind waves developing on Friday morning, MetService said.
These would gradually ease overnight into Saturday morning. The highest risk period would be around high tide on Friday afternoon, the forecaster added.
Yesterday, Interislander warned passengers to expect delays on Cook Strait crossings due to the strong winds.
RNZ has approached KiwiRail – which runs the ferries – for an update on the sailing schedule.
rnz.co.nz