New Zealand: Severe weather forecast across various parts of the country through at least March 5

Severe weather is forecast across various parts of the country through at least March 5. A system is forecast to bring a period of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gales to the western parts of both islands, followed by heavy showers and thunderstorms. The unseasonably cold conditions are likely to bring snow to areas around 700 meters (2,296 feet) above sea levels over the lower South Island March 5. Large southwest swells are also likely. As of March 4, the New Zealand National Meteorological Service (MetService) has issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange Heavy Rain Warning (middle level on a three-tier scale): Mount Taranaki and the Tararua Range. Up to 9 cm (3.5 inches) of rainfall is forecast.

• Yellow Heavy Rain Watch: ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty, headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers from Arthurs Pass southwards, Gisborne/Tairawhiti, Horowhenua Kapiti Coast away from the Tararua Range, Manawatu, Taihape, Taumarunui, Taranaki away from the mountain, Taupo, Waitomo, Wellington, ranges of the Westland District, and Whanganui.

• Yellow Strong Wind Watch: Clutha, Dunedin, Hawke's Bay south of Hastings, inland Hawke's Bay, Manawatu north of Feilding, Marlborough, coastal Southland, Taihape, Taranaki, Tararua District, Taumarunui, Taupo, Wairarapa, Waitomo, Wellington, and Whanganui.

• Yellow Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Hawkes Bay, Kapiti-Horowhenua, Manawatu, Taihape, Tararua, Taranaki, Taumarunui, Taupo, Waikato, Wairarapa, Waitomo, and Wanganui.

• Road Snowfall Warning: Crown Range Road. Snow showers are possible to elevations of about 800 meters (2,625 feet) but little if any snow is likely to settle.

• Heavy Swell Warning: Kapiti-Porirua Coast from Otaki to Cape Terawhiti.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

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 rain 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 likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will probably cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities are likely to close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters temporarily. Flight delays and cancellations at airports are probable.

Localized business disruptions are likely in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.