20 Jul 2023 | 03:47 AM UTC
New Zealand: Heavy rainfall and strong winds forecast across northern North Island and northern South Island through at least early July 22
Heavy rainfall and strong winds forecast in northern and central New Zealand through early July 22. Transport disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast in northern North Island and northern South Island through at least early July 22. The New Zealand National Meteorological Service (MetService) warned that a low-pressure system over the Tasman Sea is likely to bring rain and easterly gales to northern and central parts of New Zealand. As of July 20, the MetService has issued the following weather warnings:
Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) Heavy Rain Warning: Coromandel Peninsula and Tairawhiti/Gisborne, especially north of Tolaga Bay. Up to 15 cm (6 inches) of rain is forecast.
Yellow Heavy Rain Watch: Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Hawke's Bay mainly about the ranges and Wairoa District, and Northland.
Yellow Strong Wind Watch: Auckland, Bay of Plenty southeast of Whakatane, Buller, Coromandel Peninsula, Great Barrier Island, Marlborough, Nelson/Tasman, Northland, Waikato about and just west of the Kaimai Range, and Westland north of Hokitika.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
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 stormwater drainage systems. Sites 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.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.
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 cancelations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Localized business disruptions may occur in areas impacted by severe weather; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible delivery delays throughout the affected area. Allow extra time to reach destinations and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
