23 Feb 2023 | 03:53 AM UTC
New Zealand: Severe weather forecast over North Island through at least Feb. 25
Severe weather forecast over North Island, New Zealand through at least Feb. 25. Disruptions from Former Cyclone Gabrielle ongoing.
Event
Severe weather is forecast over North Island through at least early Feb. 25. A low-pressure system over North Island is likely to persist over the coming days before tracking away to the south late Feb. 25. As of Feb. 23, the Meteorological Service of New Zealand (MetService) has issued the following watches and warnings:
Orange Heavy Rain Warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Hawke's Bay. The heaviest rainfall of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) is likely about the ranges and north of Hastings.
Yellow Heavy Rain Watches: Auckland, Bay of Plenty about and west of Te Puke, Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne, and Wairarapa including the Tararua District.
Yellow Severe Thunderstorm Watches: Bay of Plenty, Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne, and Waikato.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Former Cyclone Gabrielle impacted northern and central New Zealand Feb. 12-15, causing widespread flooding and landslides. As of Feb. 23, disruptions are still ongoing. Further rainfall is likely to hamper recovery efforts or lead to additional evacuations and disruptions.
Authorities have extended the state of emergency over Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Northland, Tairawhiti, and Waikato regions and the Tararua District through at least Feb. 27. Reports indicate nine fatalities in Hawke's Bay and two firefighters dead in Auckland. The death toll is likely to rise as links are re-established with remote towns cut off by the storm. Around 700 people in North Island remain displaced.
Wairoa District Council has advised residents to continue conserving water. Tuai Village remains under a boil water notice. Gisborne remains in a water crisis; extreme alert level water restrictions are in place. Water can only be used for essential activities. Multiple state highways across the North Island remain closed due to severe weather, flooding, and landslides. For more information on the latest situation regarding road closures, click here.
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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Additional power outages are possible in areas impacted by the weather system.
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 additional delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas subject to heavy rainfall and track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after weather 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 or reported. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
