Heavy rain warnings and severe wind alerts span central and southern New Zealand as a slow-moving front brings up to 400mm of rainfall and gale-force gusts.
MetService issued orange heavy rain warnings for the Westland District and the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur’s Pass starting Sunday afternoon, 1News reported. The heaviest precipitation is concentrated in the Westland ranges and the Canterbury main divide, where 300 to 400mm of rain is expected alongside peak rates of 30 to 40mm per hour on Monday morning.
Additional orange warnings cover the Tararua Range from 3pm Monday until 4am Tuesday, alongside the ranges of the Buller District from 3am to 5pm Monday, and the Grey District. The Tararua Range expects 100 to 150mm of rain, while the Buller ranges and Grey District ranges anticipate 90 to 150mm.
RNZ said that a front moving slowly northwards drives the system, bringing heavy northwesterly rain to the western South Island and the Tararua Range. Meanwhile, Scoop reported that the system forms part of a humid start to the week driven by a northerly flow pulling moist air down from the subtropics, with temperatures reaching 24 degrees in Invercargill on Tuesday.
Severe northwest gales accompany the rain. MetService placed strong wind watches for the Canterbury High Country from 10pm Sunday until 10am Monday, and for Wellington and Wairarapa south of Masterton from noon until 8pm Monday, with a moderate chance of upgrades to full warnings.
The Press reported that those operating motorcycles, towing vehicles, and high-sided vehicles like campervans should take extra care in high winds, especially in exposed areas, and consider pulling over if feeling unsafe.
The New Zealand Transport Agency deployed roading crews to respond to potential surface flooding, slips, and debris. NZTA advised motorists to adjust speeds, increase following distances, avoid sudden braking, stay visible, and steer clear of floodwaters of unclear depth.
"Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible," MetService warned.
