29 May 2023 | 04:49 AM UTC
New Zealand: Adverse weather forecast over most of South Island and northern and western North Island through at least May 30
Severe weather forecast over most of New Zealand through May 30. Flooding and disruptions possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast over most of South Island and northern and western North Island through at least May 30. A complex low-pressure system and associated fronts are forecast to track east across New Zealand May 29, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas following periods of intense rainfall, as well as landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.
As of May 29, the Meteorological Service of New Zealand (MetService) has issued the following watches and warnings across the affected area:
Orange Heavy Rain Warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Bay of Plenty, Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay, Tasman west of Motueka, and Westland south of Otira
Yellow Heavy Rain Watch: Buller, Coromandel Peninsula, Fiordland, Mount Taranaki, Richmond and Bryant ranges including the Rai Valley, Tasman from Motueka eastwards but excluding the Nelson Lakes
Yellow Strong Wind Watch: Canterbury High Country
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Emergency services are responding to widespread flooding in Waihi Beach; reports indicate that a few houses have been evacuated. Waihi Beach RSA is an evacuation point.
State Highway 1 is closed between Kitchen Road and Makene Road through the Mangamuka Gorge due to multiple large landslides and damage while State Highway 25A between Kopu and Hikuai is close due to full road collapse. State Highway 29 near Old Kaimai Road is also closed due to a landslide.
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 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.
