New Zealand: Severe weather forecast to continue across most of the country through at least Sept. 1

Severe weather is forecast to continue across most of New Zealand through at least Sept. 1. Fronts are forecast to affect the country through at least Sept. 1 with the heaviest rainfall likely across the west of the South Island and the headwaters of the lakes and rivers of Canterbury.

As of early Aug. 30, the New Zealand National Meteorological Service (MetService) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange Heavy Rain Warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers from Arthurs Pass southwards, Tararua Range, and ranges of the Westland District; rainfall of up to 20 cm (8 inches) is forecast.

• Orange Strong Wind Warning: Canterbury High Country.

• Yellow Heavy Rain Watch: ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty, Fiordland, Gisborne/Tairawhiti, headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers, Richmond and Bryant ranges including the Rai Valley, Tasman northwest of Motueka, Grey and Buller districts, Waikato south of Te Awamutu, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupo, northern Taranaki, and northern Taihape.

• Yellow Strong Wind Watch: Queenstown lakes district, central Otago west of Alexandra, Southland northwest of Winton, Fiordland, Taranaki, Taihape, northern Whanganui, and Wellington.

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 possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

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

Localized business disruptions may occur 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.