Heavy rain and strong winds are expected for large parts of the country from today into tomorrow, with MetService issuing close to a dozen severe warnings and watches.
The forecaster said an active front preceded by strong north westerly winds will move eastwards across the country on Sunday through to Monday.
“Warnings and watches for heavy rain and strong winds are in place for parts of the South Island, and lower and central parts of the North Island.”
An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Mount Taranaki until 7pm on Monday.
Up to 100mm of rain is expected and peak intensities of 15-20mm an hour are expected to fall on Monday afternoon.
The west of the South Island is also in for a soaking from this afternoon, with an orange heavy rain warning in place for the Westland ranges until 1pm Monday and for northern Fiordland and the Otago headwaters until Monday morning.
Further rain is expected in Otago during Monday afternoon, but MetService said this is likely to fall as snow on the ranges.
Residents in the above areas 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 has warned motorists to “take extra care” after MetService issued an orange strong wind warning for Wellington from 12pm to 7pm on Monday.
Severe gale northerly winds are expected to gust up to 120km/h in exposed areas, such as SH2 Remutaka Hill and SH1 Transmission Gully.
“Take extra care especially if you are in a lighter or high-sided vehicle or riding a motorcycle,” a spokesperson said.
Road snowfall warnings for Milford Rd (SH94), the Crown Range Rd and the Lindis Pass (SH8) have been put in place, MetService said.
Between 3-4cm of snow could accumulate on the road at altitudes above 800m, with smaller amounts down to around 600m.
