A host of weather warnings have been issued up and down the country as a low over the Tasman Sea moves towards the upper South Island, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
The low and associated fronts, which are expected to bring gale force winds to some areas, will be followed by a blast of cold air.
“Its set to be a disruptive and active afternoon and evening, with heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms for a huge portion of the country,” MetService head of weather news Heather Keats said.
“We then have a southerly wind shift in the south, and when the cold from below hits the moisture from above, we’re set for snow, and a very cold change for all of us by the weekend.”
She said most of the rain would pass over the next 24 hours. After this, a “biting cold” will hit much of the country.
It’s seen a host of orange heavy rain warnings issued for parts of the North Island, and parts of the western and northern South Island.
In the north, orange heavy rain warnings were issued for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Bay of Plenty east of Whakatāne, inland Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, northern Taihape, southern parts of Taupō and Taumarunui, and Taranaki Maunga.
Auckland Council urged people to be prepared and to plan ahead.
“We are asking Aucklanders to be mindful that the heavy rain may hit during the afternoon commute home. Plan your journey and avoid low-lying areas, drive cautiously and never drive in floodwaters,” Adam Maggs, general manager of Auckland Emergency Management, said.
Heavy rain watches were issued for Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, northern Taranaki, Taupō and Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne, inland Hawke’s Bay, Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast, and Wellington.
In the South Island, orange rain warnings were issued for the Tasman District west of Motueka, The Tararua Range, Marlborough about and northwest of the Richmond Range, Nelson east of Nelson City, and Westland District north of Fox Glacier.
Heavy rain watches were issued for Buller and Grey Districts south of Karamea.
MetService said the rain could cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly.
“Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible,” it said.
“Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.”
Several strong wind warnings at orange for 120km/h gusts were also issued for Taihape, the Tararua District, Wairarapa, and Wellington.
Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures was possible.
“Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles,” MetService said.
“Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.”
Strong wind watches were issued for Taranaki, inland Whanganui north of Whanganui city, Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, and Hawke’s Bay.
A heavy snow watch for Canterbury, excluding Banks Peninsula, was issued, with heavy snow possibly above 400m.
Road snowfall warnings were issued for parts of SH7 (Lewis Pass), SH73 (Arthur’s Pass, and Porters Pass) early tomorrow and Lindis Pass (SH8) overnight.
Tomorrow is set to be a rough day on the water on the Kapiti-Porirua coast between Ōtaki and Cape Terawhiti.
A heavy swell warning at orange has been issued.
A number of fights to and from Nelson have been cancelled, while some flights into Christchurch have also been affected.
“It’s a wet Wednesday ahead — especially for the North Island and parts of the South Island (Tasman, Nelson, Buller, Marlborough Sounds, Grey and Westland),” MetService said on X.
“This afternoon and evening could bring bursts of heavier rain (downpours) in places, one to keep an eye out for later.”
Full list of watches and warnings
Heavy rain warnings – Orange
Northland, Auckland and Great Barrier Island – nine hours from 3pm today
Bay of Plenty east of Whakatāne and inland Gisborne/Tairāwhiti – 10 hours from 8pm today.
Northern Taihape and southern parts of Taupō and Taumarunui – 14 hours from 11am today.
Taranaki Maunga – 15 hours from 9am today.
Tasman District west of Motueka – 13 hours from 9am to today.
The Tararua Range – 12 hours from 11am today.
Marlborough about and northwest of the Richmond Range, and Nelson east of Nelson City – 15 hours from 9am today.
Westland District north of Fox Glacier – 14 hours from 1pm today.
Strong wind warnings – Orange
Taihape – 10 hours from 2pm today.
The Tararua District – 10 hours from 8am tomorrow.
Wairarapa and Wellington – eight hours from 1am tomorrow.
Heavy rain watches
Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, northern Taranaki, Taupō and Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne and inland Hawke’s Bay – 15 hours from noon today.
Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast and Wellington – 12 hours from 11am today.
Buller and Grey Districts south of Karamea – 14 hours from 1pm today.
Heavy Snow Watch
Canterbury (excluding Banks Peninsula) – 10 hours from 8pm today.
Strong Wind Watches
Taranaki and inland Whanganui north of Whanganui City – 21 hours from 9am today.
Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula – nine hours from 3pm today.
Bay of Plenty and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti – 12 hours from 9pm today.
Hawke’s Bay – eight hours from 2am tomorrow.
Road Snowfall Warnings
Lewis Pass (SH7) – three hours from 4am tomorrow.
Arthur’s Pass – four hours from 2am tomorrow.
Porters Pass (SH73) – four hours from 3am tomorrow.
Lindis Pass (SH8) – five hours from 10pm today.
Heavy Swell Warnings
Kapiti-Porirua Coast – Ōtaki to Cape Terawhiti – 12 hours from 3am tomorrow.
