12 Feb 2022 | 09:34 AM UTC
New Zealand: Adverse weather due to Tropical Cyclone Dovi forecast to continue in central and northern regions through at least Feb. 13 /update 7
Severe weather due to Tropical Cyclone Dovi forecast across central and northern New Zealand through at least Feb. 13. Disruptions possible.
Event
Further heavy rainfall and severe gales due to Tropical Cyclone Dovi are forecast across central and northern New Zealand through at least Feb. 13. The affected areas include most of North Island and northern South Island.
As of late Feb. 12, Tropical Cyclone Dovi, located west of Northland, is tracking southeastward and is forecast to make landfall between New Plymouth and Kawhia Harbour early Feb. 13 before tracking eastwards across North Island. Widespread adverse conditions are likely. The heavy rainfall is likely to cause rapid water level rises in streams and rivers. Localized flooding and landslides are likely. The rain might result in hazardous driving conditions. Hazardous waves and cross and rip currents are forecast, with the largest waves likely on the west coast of the North Island Feb. 13.
As of late Feb. 12, the New Zealand National Meteorological Service (MetService) has issued the following warnings and watches:
Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) heavy rain warning: Bryant Range, Buller ranges, eastern Canterbury about and north of Culverden, Horowhenua, Kapiti, eastern Marlborough, Marlborough Sounds, ranges of Nelson Lakes, Rai Valley, Richmond Range, Taranaki, Tararua Range, Tasman west of Motueka, Taupo about and south of Turangi, Tongariro National Park, Wairarapa, and Wellington; up to 19 cm (7.5 inches) of rain is forecast.
Orange strong wind warning: Auckland, Marlborough Sounds, Taranaki, and Wellington.
Yellow heavy rain watch: Canterbury north of Amberley, the rest of Marlborough, Taihape away from Tongariro National Park, Taumarunui, Taupo north of Turangi, Tararua District, Waitomo, and Whanganui and Manawatu.
Yellow strong wind watch: Bay of Plenty west of Papamoa, Buller, Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne, coastal Hawke's Bay including Mahia Peninsula, Northland, Tasman, Waikato, Waitomo, Whanganui, Wairarapa.
Road snowfall warning: State Highway 7 at Lewis Pass; rain is forecast to turn into snow early Feb. 13 with 3-8 cm (1-3 inches) of snow near the summit and lesser amounts down to 800 meters (2,625 feet).
A local state of emergency is in place for the Buller District. Authorities evacuated 121 residents from Westport Feb. 10 due to the likely flooding of low-lying areas from heavy rain coinciding with the high tide; as of early Feb. 11, residents have since been allowed to return home. The floods damaged at least five houses in Mohikinui township. The water infrastructure in Waimangaroa has sustained significant damage; authorities have established an emergency water supply for residents.
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 or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located 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. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
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 cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Tasman Sea if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas that experience heavy rainfall and potential track blockages. State Highway 67 from Karamea to Mokihinui and Westport to Mokihinui remains closed through at least 09:00 Feb. 14 due to multiple landslides. State Highway 1 from Calico Line to Wings Line and State Highway 45 from Rahotu to Oaonui are also closed due to flooding. Authorities have warned that the Harbour Bridge in Auckland could be closed for several hours due to the severe winds.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
