A powerful weather system is currently sweeping across New Zealand, bringing severe gales and heavy rain that have caused widespread disruption, including flight cancellations, power outages, and road closures, particularly across the South Island. The unsettled conditions, described by MetService as a precursor to a potentially more impactful weather event later this week, are affecting large swathes of the country from Monday into Tuesday.
Widespread Disruptions Across the South Island
Numerous flights have been either delayed or cancelled due to high winds impacting services, affecting travellers in and out of cities like Dunedin and Invercargill. Air New Zealand reported several cancellations, while Jetstar also experienced delays on routes to and from Dunedin and Auckland. Ferry services have also been affected by the rough conditions.
Power outages have been reported across multiple regions. In Dunedin and Mosgiel, nearly 900 customers experienced power disruptions due to vegetation coming into contact with powerlines. Further outages were reported across Southland, affecting areas such as Invercargill and Riverton. An earlier outage in Roxburgh, which impacted over 200 customers, has since been largely restored. Crews are investigating and working to restore supply as quickly as possible.
A significant incident on State Highway 8 south of Lake Tekapo saw a truck-trailer roll in high winds, blocking the main road. No injuries were reported, but NZTA contractors worked to clear the obstruction while urging motorists to exercise extreme caution due to continuing strong winds.
Regions Under Threat from Fierce Weather
Orange heavy rain warnings are in effect for areas including the Westland ranges, Fiordland, the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers, and parts of the Grey, Buller, and Tasman districts west of Takaka. Rainfall totals are expected to be significant, with warnings indicating potential for up to 300mm in the Westland ranges near the glaciers, and peak intensities of 30mm per hour. This raises concerns about rapidly rising rivers, surface flooding, and slips.
Strong wind warnings are active for many exposed areas, including Wellington, Wairarapa, Tararua District, Marlborough, Canterbury High Country, Otago, Fiordland, Southland, and Clutha. Gusts are predicted to reach severe gale strength, potentially up to 130 km/h in exposed locations, posing risks to trees, powerlines, and high-sided vehicles. These northwesterly winds are expected to impact the east and north of the South Island.
Emergency Management and Public Advice
West Coast Emergency Management has urged residents to take precautionary measures, including clearing drains and gutters, securing outdoor property, and preparing for potential power outages. They also advised avoiding unnecessary travel. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is providing resources to help the public prepare for severe weather events.
Road users are reminded to drive cautiously, reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and stay alert for debris on the road. Specific advice is being issued for areas under heavy rain and wind warnings, with authorities keeping a close watch on river levels and potential flood impacts.
Looking Ahead
While current warnings are for Monday and Tuesday, MetService forecasts a continued period of unsettled weather, with another, potentially more impactful, weather system expected to arrive later in the week, around Thursday and Friday. This ongoing pattern highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparedness across the country, with current news focusing on the immediate aftermath and ongoing response to this latest severe weather event. Investigations into any significant infrastructure damage are ongoing as conditions allow.
Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings from MetService and follow guidance from local authorities.
