Orange strong wind warnings have been issued for Northland and Auckland, while the former is also subject to an orange heavy rain warning.
It comes as a deep subtropical low approaches the country.
Strong wind warnings have been issued for Northland and Auckland with heavy rain also expected for some parts. exte (Source: 1News)
MetService said up to 180mm of rain is expected in Northland, while severe easterly gales could gust up to 140km/h overnight from Wednesday into Thursday.
For Auckland, an orange strong wind warning is in force from Wednesday evening with 120km/h severe easterly gales in exposed places.
Damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures are possible, the forecaster said.
The list of watches also has expanded across the North Island.
Heavy rain watches are also in place for Auckland and Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau, including Rotorua and the Kamai Range. All have a chance of being upgraded to a warning.
Strong wind watches are in place for Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Waitomo, Taumarunui and Taihape and Taranaki about and west of Taranaki Mounga.
Buller on the South Island’s West Coast is also under a strong wind watch.
MetService also said “large and powerful” 5-6m swells are expected on April 17, with Northland, northern Auckland, Coromandel, and Gisborne coastlines likely to be impacted.
Warnings and watches will be updated by 9pm.
Metservice meteorologist Heather Keats said it would bring weather not seen in those regions for some time as it comes from a northeasterly direction. (Source: Breakfast)
Wind could create ‘hazardous’ conditions for Easter travel – meteorologist
Metservice meteorologist Heather Keats said the “significant event” would bring weather not seen in those regions for some time as the winds come from a northeasterly direction.
Auckland Airport had not seen a wind gust greater than 80km/h from that direction since May 2019.
“When the land hasn’t been exposed to wind coming from that direction, it can expose quite a lot of vulnerabilities within the environment around it,” she said.
Keats said the strong wind gusts could bring down trees and power lines, leading to disruptions.
“It will be difficult to drive in exposed spots, maybe even the Auckland Harbour Bridge.”
With many expected to hit the roads for Easter, Keats urged travellers to be prepared.
“There will be a lot of people travelling, and it could be quite a hazardous week to do it.”
Acting Waikato Regional Council harbourmaster Hayden Coburn said boat users should not ignore the weather forecasts.
“The forecast severe weather is expected to produce swells in coastal waters of several metres and can make bar crossings extremely hazardous. Weather can be extremely changeable and puts lives at risk.
“Don’t be afraid to alter your boating plans or cancel them altogether if the conditions are not right.”
Add storm prep to holiday checklist – Auckland Council
Setting aside half an hour to prepare your home and property for bad weather before getting on the road could prevent unnecessary damage and disruption, said Auckland Emergency Management general manager Adam Maggs.
“Securing or storing outdoor furniture and umbrellas ahead of bad weather doesn’t take much time and could prevent these items from becoming damaged or damaging your property,” he said, adding the winds could pick up small or loose items and flip trampolines or lightweight outdoor furniture.
“Rubbish and recycling bins can also be easily blown over so keep that in mind.”
Maggs said the council waste team advised residents to put their bins out on the day of collection rather than the night before to prevent them being blown around Auckland streets.
Checking drains, gutters and trees or plants on your property that may lose branches or clog drains was also important, he said.
“Anything on your property that may wash into the stormwater system and cause blockages should be removed. Clearing gutters and drains on your property will also help prevent damage, leaks and flooding.”
Forecast grounds air show in Marlborough
The Classic Fighters 2025 Airshow in Marlborough has been cancelled due to the forecast “severe weather event”.
The show, which is held at the Omaka Aerodrome in Blenheim every second Easter, was scheduled to take flight from April 18-20.
In a statement posted to Facebook yesterday, organisers announced the event had been cancelled.
“The weather event forecast for Easter indicates almost a week of rain, low clouds, lower-level winds, and turbulence that would prohibit any display flying over Easter.”
A full list of watches and warnings
Heavy rain warning – orange
Northland – 41 hours from 3am Wednesday to 8pm Thursday.
Strong wind warning – orange
Northland – 29 hours from 3pm Wednesday to 8pm Thursday.
Auckland and Great Barrier Island – 27 hours from 9pm Wednesday to midnight Thursday.
Heavy rain watch
Auckland and Great Barrier Island – 24 hours from 3am Thursday to 3am Friday.
Coromandel Peninsula – 27 hours from 3am Thursday to 6am Friday.
Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau, including Rotorua and the Kamai Range – 24 hours from 12pm Thursday to 12pm Friday.
Strong wind watch
Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Waitomo – 27 hours from midnight Wednesday to 3am Friday.
Taumarunui and Taihape – 24 hours from 6am Thursday to 6am Friday.
Taranaki around and west of Taranaki Maunga – 24 hours from 6am Thursday to 6am Friday.
Buller – 24 hours from 3am Thursday to 3am Friday.
