New Zealand: Severe weather forecast across most of the country through at least early Oct. 27 /update 2

Severe weather is forecast across most of New Zealand through at least early Oct. 27. A deepening low-pressure system over the Tasman Sea is forecast to approach the South Island Oct. 26. An associated front, preceded by strong northerlies and rain, is forecast to cross northern and central New Zealand while, while another front will likely bring significant snowfall above 600 meters (1,968 feet) from Canterbury southwards.

As of Oct. 25, 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): Ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty, Canterbury High Country, Richmond and Bryant ranges, Rai Valley, Tairawhiti/Gisborne, Tararua Range, and Tasman District west of Motueka; up to 25 cm (10 inches) of rainfall are forecast in affected areas.

• Orange Heavy Snow Warning: Canterbury High Country south of the Rangitata River, Central Otago, and the Queenstown Lakes District.

• Yellow Heavy Rain Watch: Buller, Grey, and Westland districts north of Hokitika, Dunedin, North Otago, Mount Taranaki/Taranaki Maunga, Nelson/Tasman from Motueka eastwards, and Queenstown Lakes District.

• Yellow Strong Wind Watch: Fiordland, Taihape, Taranaki, and Westland District.

• Road Snowfall Warning: Haast Pass (SH6), Lindis Pass (SH8), Milford Road (SH94), Arthur's Pass (SH73), Porters Pass (SH73), and Crown Range Road.

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 saturates the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are probable where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces would cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will probably temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather will likely trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at regional airports, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Flooding will probably block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions are probable in low-lying areas.