06 Sep 2021 | 06:03 AM UTC
New Zealand: Adverse weather forecast across northern, western, and southern regions through at least Sept. 8
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding forecast across northern, western, and southern New Zealand through at least Sept. 8.
Event
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding are forecast to occur across northern, western, and southern New Zealand through at least Sept. 8. The affected areas include the eastern Bay of Plenty, western Canterbury, western Gisborne, Marlborough, Nelson, Otago, Southland, western Taranaki, western Tasman, and West Coast regions. The New Zealand National Meteorological Service has issued the following watches and warnings across the affected area:
Heavy Rain Warning (second-highest level on a three-tier scale): Fiordland, the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers, and Westland south of Otira.
Strong Wind Warning (second-highest level on a three-tier scale): Canterbury High Country, Fiordland, Southland, and Otago
Heavy Rain Watch: Mount Taranaki, the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty and Buller, inland Gisborne, northwest Nelson, Richmond range, and Rai valley.
Heavy Snow Watch: Fiordland, south of Te Anau.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Road snowfall warnings are also in place for Milford Road (SH94) through the afternoon of Sept. 7, where up to 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) of snow may accumulate on the roads at areas above 800 m (2,624 feet).
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across portions of northern, southern, and western New Zealand. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Tasman Sea, South Pacific Ocean, and Bay of Plenty if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
