A red strong wind warning has been issued for parts of Canterbury, with MetService warning of destructive 150km/h gusts as severe weather threatens to batter much of the South Island and lower North.
MetService said an active front preceded by a strong north to northwest flow would move northeast over the South Island during Sunday and then would become slow moving over central New Zealand on Sunday.
The red warning for Canterbury covered areas west of the foothills and west of State Highway 1 south of the Rakaia River, and was in place for 17 hours from 10pm Saturday to 3pm Sunday.
MetService said the destructive winds could cause widespread damage to powerlines, roofs, and infrastructure, and urged residents to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for power outages.
The red warning is the highest alert level issued by MetService and was reserved for the most severe weather events. It is the third red warning issued so far this year.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said the winds were expected to cause widespread damage, including to roofs and powerlines, and may impact on power supply.
“A red warning signifies that people need to act now as immediate action is required to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather. People should also be prepared to follow the advice of official authorities and emergency services.”
She said the wind would create “dangerous driving conditions”.
“Travellers, especially as school holidays get going, are advised to plan for potential disruptions.”
Strong winds weren’t solely confined to Canterbury, with nearly all of the South Island under an orange warning for strong winds. In the North Island, Wellington was also under an orange strong wind warning.
Wind gusts of up to 120 km/h were expected in exposed areas.
Up to 180mm of rain was forecast in some alpine regions, with downpours expected along western parts of the South Island, as well as the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers where orange heavy rain warnings were in place.
Watches were also in place for South Taranaki, Whanganui, Taihape, Grey District, and the Richmond and Bryant ranges, where conditions may approach warning thresholds.
Full list of weather warnings and watches
Strong Wind Warning – Red
Canterbury (west of foothills and west of SH1 south of Rakaia River) – 17 hours from 10pm Saturday to 3pm Sunday.
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Wellington, Wairarapa (south of Greytown), Marlborough Sounds – 20 hours from 2am to 10pm Sunday.
Marlborough (excluding the Sounds) – 18 hours from midnight Saturday to 6pm Sunday.
Westland District – 8 hours from 2am to 10am Sunday.
Canterbury (east of SH1 south of Rakaia River, and away from foothills further north) – 12 hours from 3am to 3pm Sunday.
Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, inland North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha – 8 hours from midnight Saturday to 8am Sunday.
Fiordland – 9 hours from 8pm Saturday to 5am Sunday.
Southland – 7 hours from 11pm Saturday to 6am Sunday.
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Tasman (northwest of Motueka) – 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Sunday.
Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers – 12 hours from 3am to 3pm Sunday.
Ranges of the Westland District – 12 hours from midnight Saturday to noon Sunday.
Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers – 7 hours from 1am to 8am Sunday.
Fiordland (about and north of Doubtful Sound) – 8 hours from 10pm Saturday to 6am Sunday.
Buller, Spencer Mountains and St Arnaud Range – 11 hours from 7am to 6pm Sunday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Richmond and Bryant ranges, Rai Valley – 14 hours from noon Sunday to 2am Monday.
Strong Wind Watch
South Taranaki, inland and western Whanganui, Taihape – 9 hours from 6am to 3pm Sunday.
Grey District – 5 hours from 6am to 11am Sunday.
