Heavy Rains to Drench New Zealand, Localized Flooding a Concern

New Zealand is bracing for a significant rainfall event that is expected to bring heavy downpours and the potential for localized flooding in some areas. The MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for the West Coast of the South Island, as well as parts of the lower North Island and the eastern Bay of Plenty. Rainfall totals of up to 200 millimeters are forecast for the affected regions, with even higher amounts possible in localized areas. The rains are expected to start on Wednesday evening and continue into Thursday. Rivers and streams in the affected areas are likely to rise rapidly, and localized flooding is possible in low-lying areas. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to be prepared for flooding and to take precautions. This includes moving vehicles to higher ground, securing loose objects, and staying informed about the latest weather forecasts. In addition to the heavy rain, strong winds are also expected to accompany the front. Gusts of up to 100 kilometers per hour are possible in some parts of the country, particularly in exposed areas. The stormy conditions are expected to disrupt travel and could lead to power outages. Motorists are advised to drive with caution and be prepared for delays. The MetService will continue to monitor the weather situation and provide updates as necessary. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed and follow any instructions issued by local authorities.Severe weather warnings across New Zealand

Severe weather warnings across New Zealand

A severe storm warning has been issued for Auckland and Northland with localized flooding and landslides possible, as rain warnings are issued in several regions. Heavy rain and possible storms have begun to hit parts of the country, with the biggest impacts expected in Tasman, Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Northland tomorrow. Forecasters say a front, preceded by a wet northerly flow, was expected to move slowly eastwards, bringing rain across much of New Zealand until Saturday. “This begins what looks like a stretch of generally unsettled weather into next week,” they said in a forecast update this afternoon. According to MetService, the heaviest rainfall will affect the north of the North Island and the north and west of the South Island. Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said there was enough potential for downpours to issue a storm warning covering the upper North Island, starting in Northland.

Auckland and Northland under storm warning

He said: “It is important to note that any downpour associated with the severe thunderstorm warning would add to the widespread accumulations of rain in the heavy rain warning. “As a result, small areas around Northland and Auckland where downpours occur could experience localized impacts such as flooding and landslides.” A 20-hour thunderstorm warning is in effect for Northland until 11am Friday.

Orange warnings for heavy rain for BoP and parts of Tasman

The Bay of Plenty and Tasman are “two regions where widespread rainfall accumulations appear to meet our heavy rainfall warning criteria and are therefore covered by orange warnings”, according to MetService. Both regions have a “minimal possibility” of going on red alert. A 24-hour orange heavy rain warning is in place for Tasman, northwest of Motueka, from 6pm tonight, with between 120 and 150mm of accumulated rain. In the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, an orange warning for heavy rain is in place tomorrow between 3am and 8pm. “Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rainfall. Avoid low-lying areas and drive with caution. Streams and rivers can rise quickly. Surface flooding, slipping and difficult driving conditions are possible,” MetService suggests. Several other parts of the country are under a heavy rain watch between today and tomorrow as the rain moves in from the northwest. “The top half of the North Island is covered by a moderate risk of thunderstorms embedded in the rainband,” according to MetService. A heavy rain warning is in place for Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, Taupo, Mt Taranaki and Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound and the ranges of the Westland district.

MetService outlook

Two disturbances in the Tasman Sea were expected to bring tropical moisture to New Zealand from Friday into next week, according to forecaster NIWA. “The combined system will produce rounds of heavy rain, particularly in the north and east of the South Island, possibly swirling into Tasman for up to a week.” By Saturday, most of the rain will have disappeared, but showers appear to be dotting the western coasts of the North and South Islands and Sunday is likely to bring much of the same. MetService’s Ferris said: “After a wet day on Friday, there may even be some afternoon sunshine around Mystery Creek on Saturday for Fieldays-goers.”Heavy rains are expected to hit New Zealand this week, bringing localized flooding to some parts. A low-pressure system is expected to move over the country from the Tasman Sea, bringing with it heavy rain and strong winds. The heaviest rain is expected to fall in the western and northern parts of the country, with some areas receiving up to 200mm of rain. The rain is likely to cause flooding in some areas, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. The New Zealand Meteorological Service has issued a heavy rain warning for the West Coast, Taranaki, Waitomo, Taumarunui, and Whanganui regions. Motorists are advised to be cautious when driving in heavy rain and to avoid driving through flooded areas. People living in flood-prone areas should be prepared to evacuate if necessary.