New Zealanders should brace for more severe weather this weekend as heavy rain, snow and potential gale-force winds are expected to hit parts of the country.
The conditions are due to a potent low-pressure system from the Tasman Sea combined with cold air from the south.
There are heavy rain warnings in three North Island areas where MetService is warning of possible surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions, with the deluge expected to deliver up to 180mm.
Motorists in the South Island are also warned of potentially dangerous conditions as snow is expected to fall on key mountain routes including Lewis Pass (SH7), Arthur’s Pass (SH73), Porters Pass (SH73) and Crown Range Road.
Lewis Pass is expected to see 8 to 12cm of snow accumulate above 800m, while Arthur’s Pass and Porters Pass are predicted to experience 3 to 6cm and 5 to 8cm, respectively. Crown Range Road may receive up to 1cm of snow, with additional snow showers possible in the afternoon.
Southland may even experience snow at sea level, Metservice said, a rare and dramatic event for the region.
A heavy snow watch is in place for inland parts of Canterbury north of Waipara and Marlborough south of SH63 from 1pm to 10pm on Sunday. Central Otago also has a heavy snow watch in place south of Lake Wakatipu and Roxburgh, Clutha, Southland, and Fiordland south of George Sound from the early hours of Sunday morning through to Monday afternoon.
People in the orange heavy rain warning areas of the North Island are advised to clear their drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Those areas include the eastern Bay of Plenty and far northwest Tairāwhiti/Gisborne from 8pm Saturday through to 9am Sunday. 90 to 130mm of rain is expected, with peak intensities of up to 20mm per hour.
Mount Taranaki is also bracing for a significant downpour, with 120 to 160mm forecasted from 3pm Saturday to 2pm Sunday. The Tararua Range will be similarly battered with 120 to 180mm expected between 9pm Saturday and 10pm Sunday.
Streams and rivers may rise rapidly due to such heavy rain, and authorities are urging the public to stay informed as weather conditions are subject to rapid change.
There are strong wind watches in place on Sunday for Taihape, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti and Wairarapa north of Masterton.
Wellington, Tasman, Fiordland and from northern Taranaki right up to Waitomo are also under a heavy rain watch.
