Drivers across the South Island are being urged to plan ahead and remain vigilant on the roads this weekend as wild weather hits from this afternoon.
MetService issued orange heavy rain warnings and watches for some areas, including Buller and Grey, the Westland Ranges, headwaters of Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers, and Fiordland into Saturday.
These areas were forecast to receive up to 170mm of rain, with peak rates of 30mm/h expected.
Also in Canterbury high country, an orange strong wind warning was issued from late this evening, with severe gale northwesterlies gusting up to 130km/h in exposed places.
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the predicted rain and winds may again make driving conditions difficult due to the risk of slips, surface flooding and other roading obstruction such as fallen trees.
“Heavy rain means slippery roads and drivers should think about adjusting their speed and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking and staying visible,” it said.
“In high winds, those driving high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and towing vehicles should be especially cautious.”
North Island in for a ‘good weekend’
Earlier this week, torrential rain battered parts of central North Island and some communities in Waitomo were cut off due to flooding.
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said most of the upper North Island would have a decent weekend.
“Auckland’s looking really lovely,” she laughed. “This weekend, pretty similar. Little bit of cloud but plenty of sun. Little bit of wind coming through on Sunday, maybe an unlucky shower but highs of 20C/21C.
“Tauranga [is] looking pretty similar, in fact the entire North Island from sort of Hawke’s Bay north is looking like a good weekend.
“But not so lucky for pretty much from Wellington and Wairarapapa to down south.”
Full list of watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Buller and Grey – 18 hours from noon Saturday to 6am Sunday.
Ranges of Westland – 24 hours from 12am today to 12am Saturday.
Headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers – 14 hours from 6am to 8pm Saturday.
Headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers – nine hours from 1am to 10am Saturday.
Fiordland – nine hours from 10pm today to 7am Saturday.
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Canterbury High Country – 14 hours from 11pm today to 1pm Saturday.
Southland, Fiordland, and Stewart Island – 14 hours from 4pm today to 6am Saturday.
Strong Wind Watch
Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District – 12 hours from 9pm today to 9am Saturday.
