MetService said settled conditions are set to “rapidly deteriorate” from today, warning of impending “heavy, persistent and thundery” weather across the country.
The forecaster said strong winds, thunderstorms and rain had already hit the South Island, with gusts of 116km/h recorded at Mount Cook Airport, 112km/h at Roxburgh Airport and 98km/h in Wallacetown this morning.
A band of rain with blustery northerly winds would also move onto the North Island.
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“Additionally, there is a chance of thunderstorms with heavy rain and small hail for Taranaki this evening.
“Furthermore, the chance of thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail continues for the remainder of the day for Nelson, Buller, Grey and Westland”.
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Metservice meteorologist Alanna Burrows said “damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures is possible”.
“Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds and drive cautiously,” she said.
Earlier, most of the country was “blanketed in cloud this morning”.
Orange heavy rain warnings were issued for headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthurs Pass and Otago lakes and rivers from 9am today.
Strong wind watches were also in force for the Canterbury High Country, Marlborough and Wellington today as well as Hawke’s Bay south of Napier, the Tararua District, and Wairarapa north of Martinborough into Friday.
The forecaster warned of up to 80mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, with peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected about the divide.
However, MetService noted there was a minimal chance of upgrading to a red warning.
Road users urged to take extra care
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) earlier this morning issued a general warning to road users in the Central Otago region – especially those operating the light or high-sided vehicles – to take extra care due to the strong winds.
“A specific warning has also gone out from NZTA to users of State Highway 8, between Geraldine and Omarama, due to strong winds,” it said.
NZTA said State Highway 94 between Te Anau and Milford Sound was also being affected by the weather.
“The highway will close tonight at 5pm, from Hollyford Junction to Donne River Bridge, due to forecast snow overnight.
“Road users can expect the road to reopen before 9am tomorrow, but should watch for snow clearing equipment as snow is forecast throughout the day. The road is likely to close again Friday night due to further snow.”
Weekend swells
Burrows said on Friday, the strong westerly winds and possible thunderstorms would ease and temperatures were expected to drop over southern New Zealand.
“Then, as we move into the last weekend of winter, we are expecting to see another boost to winds and swell, combined with fast-moving rainbands,” she said.
“A strong northwesterly flow builds over the country ahead of another front, which moves onto southern New Zealand late in the day on Saturday and quickly over the country on Sunday, followed by a strong and showery west to southwest flow.”
Burrows said heavy southwest swell, with heights between 5m to 6.5m was forecast to develop for the western coastlines of the country through Sunday.
“The weekend sees a transition into a breezy springtime setup, and we may find more Strong Wind Watches issued,” she said.
Full watches and warnings list
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
The headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthurs Pass – seven hours from 9am today.
The headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers – three hours from 9am today.
Heavy Rain Watch
The Westland ranges – six hours from 9am today.
Strong Wind Watch
Area: Hawke’s Bay south of Napier, the Tararua District, and Wairarapa north of Martinborough – 14 hours from 6am Friday.
Wellington – 10 hours from 1pm today.
Marlborough southeast of Awatere River – nine hours from 9am today.
Canterbury High Country – seven hours from 9am today.
Road Snowfall Warnings
Crown Range Rd – one hour from 10am to 11am today.
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