New Zealand: Heavy rain, snowfall, and strong winds forecast across southern, central, and northeastern regions through at least July 2

Heavy rain, snowfall, and strong winds are likely across southern, central, and northeastern regions through at least July 2. An active front is forecast to track eastwards across New Zealand July 1, bringing heavy rain to western areas and possible heavy snow of up to 800 meters (2,624 feet) to Central Otago and the MacKenzie Basin. The New Zealand National Meteorological Service (MetService) has issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) Heavy Rain Warning: headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass, Mount Taranaki/Taranaki Maunga, and the ranges of the Westland District. Rainfall of up to 10 cm (4 inches) is forecast.

• Orange Strong Wind Warning: South Taranaki, Taihape, inland Whanganui, and Wellington.

• Yellow Heavy Rain Watch: eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty and the inland ranges of Gisborne, Buller District, Tasman west of Motueka, and the Tararua Range.

• Yellow Heavy Snow Watch: Central Otago northwest of Alexandra, including the Queenstown Lakes and the MacKenzie Basin.

• Yellow Strong Wind Watch: Canterbury High Country, inland and northern Marlborough, and Wairarapa south of Carterton.

• Road Snowfall Warning: Desert Road (SH1), Lindis Pass (SH7 and 8), Arthur's Pass (SH73), Porters Pass (SH73), Milford Road (SH94), and Crown Range Road.

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

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. This may occur in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides are possible in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages are likely throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and related debris will likely render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas will probably cause significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities will likely implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather will likely cause delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Authorities will probably suspend port operations temporarily if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding/snow will likely block regional rail lines, causing freight and passenger train delays and cancellations.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, will likely persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.