Severe weather is sweeping across parts of the South Island and lower North Island, with multiple watches upgraded to warnings as heavy rain and powerful northwesterly gales intensify today and into Thursday.
MetService said a front preceded by a “humid” northwest flow would move across the country until Thursday.
Watches have been upgraded to warnings in several areas, as orange-level heavy rain warnings remain in force for the South Island.
Up to 180mm of rain was expected in the ranges of Westland and the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers, with peak intensities reaching 25mm/h.
The Tararua Range, the ranges of Buller, Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound, were also under a warning.
The risk of flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions was high, especially near rivers and alpine passes.
Orange strong wind warnings were also in place for Wellington, Wairarapa and the Canterbury High Country, where northwesterly gusts could reach 120 to 130 km/h in exposed areas.
These winds may damage trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures, and pose risks to high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
A heavy rain watch was in place for the ranges of the Grey District and western Tasman.
Strong wind watches covered Marlborough, Christchurch,Queenstown Lakes, Central and North Otago, and inland Dunedin, with gusts potentially reaching severe gale strength in exposed areas.
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NZTA warned drivers in Wellington and on the Kapiti Coast to take extra care on the roads this afternoon and overnight with bad weather and sea conditions forecast.
Strong wind would affect rush hour this evening, a spokesperson said.
“Drivers of high-sided vehicles (trucks, vans, campervans), light vehicles, and motorcycles must exercise caution – particularly on exposed routes like State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully.”
A heavy swell warning overnight could generate up to 4.5m waves and affect State Highway 59 between Pukerua Bay and Paekākariki overnight.
“Drivers are encouraged to check road and weather conditions before they travel and to report any highway problems to NZTA/Waka Kotahi.”
More than 500 homes were without power in Mosgiel and the Dunedin suburb of Kinmont Park after a tree fell on power lines.
Aurora Energy said 563 customers were currently affected and power was expected to be restored by 4.30pm.
Full list of weather warnings and watches
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
The Tararua Range – 11 hours from 11pm Wednesday to 10am Thursday
The ranges of the Buller District – 9 hours from 6pm Wednesday to 3am Thursday
The ranges of Westland – 13 hours from 9am to 10pm Wednesday
Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Lake Sumner – 13 hours from 9am to 10pm Wednesday
Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers – 7 hours from 9am to 4pm Wednesday
Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound – 5 hours from 9am to 2pm Wednesday
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Wairarapa and the Tararua District – 22 hours from 2pm Wednesday to noon Thursday
Wellington – 17 hours from 1pm Wednesday to 6am Thursday
Canterbury High Country – 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Wednesday
Heavy Rain Watch
The ranges of the Grey District and western Tasman – 12 hours from 4pm Wednesday to 4am Thursday
Strong Wind Watch
Marlborough – 16 hours from 1pm Wednesday to 5am Thursday
Christchurch and Canterbury Plains – 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Wednesday
Queenstown Lakes, Central and North Otago, inland Dunedin – 4 hours from 9am to 1pm Wednesday