The active front, moving eastward, is expected to bring intense rainfall and potential thunderstorms through Sunday night into Monday.
MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty, east of Ōpōtiki, effective until 6 am Monday(local time).
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Similar warnings are in place for the Tararua Range and Taranaki Maunga, with forecasts predicting significant rainfall in these areas.
A broad heavy rain watch extends from Northland to Coromandel, where localised downpours and thunderstorms are anticipated.Wellington has already experienced the storm’s impact, with wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h causing disruptions across the city. Heavy rain led to flooding in several areas, and residents reported fallen trees and power outages. MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube noted that while the rain may ease into showers, “pockets of heavy rain” are still expected around Wellington and Porirua.
Further south, the South Island is not spared. Marlborough recorded a gust of 130 km/h at Stephens Island early Sunday morning, while Kaikōura experienced winds over 74 km/h. The central South Island faced even stronger winds overnight, with Mt Hutt recording gusts of 170 km/h, Mt Cook at 95 km/h, and Pukaki at 66 km/h.
Emergency services have been on high alert, responding to numerous callouts for fallen trees and power lines.
Authorities are urging the public to stay informed and exercise caution. Travelers are advised to check for updates before heading out, as road conditions may be hazardous due to flooding and debris. Boaties and those engaging in coastal activities should be wary of the rough seas and strong winds.
Residents are reminded to stay indoors where possible and to report any emergencies to local authorities. MetService will provide ongoing updates as the situation develops.
