Wind and rain warnings may be easing for parts of the country today — but MetService has warned of “colder nights coming” as winter sets in.
MetService issued a number of watches and warnings yesterday for central and southern parts of the country which it said would receive heavy rain, possible heavy snow and northwest gales.
Meteorologist John Law told 1News areas such as Milford Sound saw up about 100mm of rain overnight.
“The good news for many of us is the worst of the wild weather looks to be over with as we head through the rest of today, most of these warnings expire as we head through the afternoon … I think the longest ones we’ve got go through to about 6pm tonight for those wind warnings.”
An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Mount Taranaki, Westland District ranges and Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur’s Pass until this afternoon and evening, while watches were in place for Buller, part of Tasman, the Tararua Range, and the eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty and inland ranges of Gisborne until early Tuesday at the latest.
“The warnings there have already started to ease away, but we have still got some severe weather warnings for places like the ranges of Westland and perhaps even crossing towards the headlands for the first part of the afternoon.”
Meanwhile, an orange strong wind warning is in place for parts of the North Island until this evening. A heavy snow watch is in place for Central Otago and the MacKenzie Basin, while strong wind watch are in place for others. Road snow fall warnings are also in place.
Further rain was expected in Otago this afternoon, but MetService said this is likely to fall as snow on the ranges.
Residents in areas in for heavy rain have been warned to clear drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas, and to drive cautiously.
“Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible,” said MetService.
The New Zealand Transport Agency also warned motorists to “take extra care” following an orange strong wind warning issued for Wellington until 7pm this evening.
Severe gale northerly winds were expected to gust up to 120km/h in exposed areas, such as SH2 Remutaka Hill and SH1 Transmission Gully.
Law warned there would be “colder nights coming” for many across the country.
“We’re going to find over the next few nights our night time temperatures will be a fair bit colder, so even in places like Auckland, most nights after Monday night would drop back down to around about 3C or 4C. Because you’ve got to remember we are in July,” he said.
