29 Jun 2021 | 08:31 AM UTC
New Zealand: Heavy snow and large swells forecast for eastern regions through at least June 30. State of local emergency declared for Wellington /update 1
Heavy snow and large swells forecast for eastern New Zealand through at least June 30. State of local emergency declared for Wellington.
Event
Heavy snow and large swell are forecast in portions of the eastern coast of New Zealand through at least June 30. The affected areas include eastern Canterbury and Hawke's Bay regions, as well as southern parts of the Manawatu-Wanganui and Wellington regions. Authorities have announced a state of local emergency for Wellington's southern and eastern wards due to the large swell affecting the southern coast.
As of June 29, the New Zealand National Meteorological Service (MetService) has issued the following warnings:
Heavy Snow Watch: Canterbury Plains north of the Rakaia River including Banks Peninsula, Marlborough Region south of the Clarence River, Taihape area, the Tararua Range, the southeastern hills of South Wairarapa District, and the eastern hills of Wellington Region including Remutaka and Orongorongo ranges.
Heavy Swell Warning: South coast of the Wellington Region from Baring Head to Sinclair Head; a southerly swell of 4-6 meters (13-20 feet) is likely.
Snow showers may lead to significant snowpack accumulations in areas located above 300 meters (984 feet), though snow levels may drop as low as 200 meters (656 feet). In addition to bringing cooler temperatures and a stronger wind chill factor, heavy snowfall could trigger localized business and utility disruptions in affected areas. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
The New Zealand MetService has also cautioned that significant snow accumulations could impede traffic access or lead to hazardous driving conditions along Desert Road (SH1), Napier-Taupo Road (SH5), and Remutaka Hill Road (SH2). The Road Snowfall Warnings are set to remain active for these roads through June 29, though the MetService may upgrade, extend, or rescind existing weather alerts as conditions warrant.
Evacuations
Due to the large swell, authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents of Breaker Bay Road.
Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in southern and eastern New Zealand over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area.
Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports. Since June 28, several Air New Zealand (NZ) flights operating out of Dunedin (DUD), Invercargill (IVC), and Queenstown (ZQN) airports have been canceled due to low cloud, rain, and snow. By early June 29, most flights from Dunedin and Invercargill have resumed services however Queenstown flights are still affected.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages
