Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit the country’s west from late Sunday as a front approaches from the Tasman.
MetService has issued several warnings and watches.
“A front sweeps over southern and central New Zealand from the Tasman Sea during Sunday and Monday, bringing a period of heavy rain and strong north to northwest winds,” the forecaster said.
Orange heavy rain warnings were issued for Buller, the Westland ranges, parts of Canterbury and parts of Otago from Sunday evening through until Monday morning.
Up to 200mm of rain was expected for the ranges of Westland and the headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur’s Pass.
“Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.”
Heavy rain watches were also issued for Taranaki, parts of Tasman, the Tararua range, and the Grey District.
The forecaster said periods of heavy rain were expected and that amounts could approach warning criteria.
Further heavy rain may impact Taranaki on Tuesday morning and the watch could be extended.
A strong wind watch was in place for Wellington, the Canterbury High Country, and Marlborough.
Northerly and northwest winds could approach severe gale in some places, MetService said.
NZTA urged drivers travelling at the top of the South Island and lower North Island to be ready for bad weather on the roads.
“This weather will affect State Highway 60 in Tākaka/Golden Bay, State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim, State Highway 63 Wairau Valley/St Arnaud, and State Highway 1 Picton to Kaikōura,” a spokesperson said.
“Road users must drive to the conditions and be prepared for hazards like slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding.”
Drivers of high-sided vehicles such as trucks and vans, and motorcyclists and towing vehicles were also cautioned due to strong winds, particularly on exposed routes like State Highway 2 at Remutaka Hi and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 through Transmission Gully.
“Road users should also be alert to the chance of windblown debris, fallen trees, and downed power lines.”
