MetService has issued severe weather warnings for heavy rain and damaging gales across central and southern New Zealand as a rapidly deepening low-pressure system approaches from the Tasman Sea.
The weather system is expected to cross the South Island between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, with associated fronts sweeping over the North Island. Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are in effect for the ranges of Nelson, Marlborough, Tasman, Buller, Grey, and Westland districts, as well as the Canterbury headwaters. Forecasters expect rainfall totals to reach up to 300 mm in some mountainous areas, with peak intensities of 15 to 30 mm per hour.
Strong Wind Warnings have also been issued for Taranaki, Wellington, Marlborough, and the Canterbury High Country. Northerly gales are forecast to gust up to 140 km/h in exposed places, particularly in Marlborough and parts of Canterbury. These winds may cause damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures, while making driving conditions hazardous for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
The National Emergency Management Agency advises residents to prepare by clearing drains and gutters and securing loose outdoor items. Streams and rivers are expected to rise rapidly, and surface flooding or slips may occur. MetService said that while there is currently a low chance of these warnings being upgraded to Red, heavy showers are likely to persist into Saturday morning for several regions.