13 Feb 2022 | 05:22 AM UTC
New Zealand: Adverse weather due to Tropical Cyclone Dovi forecast to continue in central and northern regions through at least Feb. 14 /update 8
Severe weather due to Tropical Cyclone Dovi forecast across central and northern New Zealand through at least Feb. 14. Disruptions ongoing.
Event
Further heavy rainfall and severe gales due to Tropical Cyclone Dovi are forecast across central and northern New Zealand through at least Feb. 14. The affected areas include most of North Island and northern South Island.
As of Feb. 13, Tropical Cyclone Dovi is east of North Island and is forecast to continue tracking eastwards across the South Pacific Ocean away from New Zealand. Heavy rainfall will probably cause rapid water level rises in streams and rivers, and localized flooding and landslides are likely. The rain might result in hazardous driving conditions. The heavy rainfall and strong winds across Canterbury to the central North Island are forecast to ease from the afternoon through the evening of Feb. 13. Hazardous waves with potential dangerous currents are likely across coastal areas of New Zealand through at least Feb. 14.
As of Feb. 13, the New Zealand National Meteorological Service (MetService) has issued the following warnings and watches:
Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) strong wind warning: Coastal Hawke's Bay including Mahia Peninsula, Marlborough Sounds, Wairarapa, and Wellington.
A local state of emergency is in place for the Buller District. Authorities evacuated 121 residents from Westport Feb. 10 due to the likely flooding of low-lying areas from heavy rain coinciding with the high tide; officials have allowed residents to return home as of early Feb. 11. Authorities have also established an emergency water supply for residents in Waimangaroa due to significant damage to the water infrastructure.
Evacuations orders are in place for several homes in Plimmerton, Porirua, Wellington, due to landslides. Around 9,000 people are without power in Northland. Reports also indicate power outages in parts of Auckland, Taranaki, and Waikato due to strong winds.
Hazardous Conditions
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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. 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 if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas that experience heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
State Highway 67 from Karamea to Mokihinui and Westport to Mokihinui remains closed due to multiple landslides. Authorities will reopen the road for managed travel at 09:00, 13:00, and 17:00 Feb. 14 for people to leave or access Karamea. SH 1 from Kaikoura to Waipara and from Calico Line to Wings line, SH 56 at Opiki, near Poplar Road intersection, SH 2 between Forth Street and Lennie's Road, SH 53 at Waihenga Bridge, SH 58 at Paremata between the Paremata Roundabout and Postgate Drive, and SH 45 from Rahotu to Oaonui are also closed due to flooding. Most Auckland train services are operational, but minor delays and cancellations are possible. Auckland ferry services have resumed, though all Cook Strait ferry services remain canceled Feb. 13. Air New Zealand has canceled at least 100 flights Feb. 13.
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.
