Key Takeaways
- Severe weather has caused widespread power cuts across the lower North Island and upper South Island, affecting thousands of homes and businesses.
- Two Horowhenua townships, Foxton and Shannon, have been urged to conserve water due to the power outage.
- Heavy rain and strong wind warnings have been issued for central areas, including the Tasman ranges, Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, Buller, Grey, Westland, Kaikoura Coast, Wellington, Manawatū, Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast, Tararua, Wairarapa, and the Richmond/Bryant ranges.
- Road crews are working to clear felled trees blocking State Highway 27 in the Manawatū district, and an alternative route is available via SH6/SH63 through the Wairua Valley.
Introduction to the Severe Weather
Thousands of homes and businesses are without power, and two Horowhenua townships have been urged to conserve water after severe weather felled trees and downed powerlines across the lower North Island and upper South Island. The weather, moving south after wreaking havoc across the upper North Island yesterday, has prompted heavy rain and strong wind warnings for central areas. Areas affected include the Tasman ranges, Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, Buller, Grey, Westland, Kaikoura Coast, Wellington, Manawatū, Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast, Tararua, Wairarapa, and the Richmond/Bryant ranges.
Power Cuts and Water Conservation
Civil Defence Manawatū-Whanganui has issued a notice urging Foxton and Shannon residents to "please conserve water". The Horowhenua District Council said: "Foxton residents, due to the current power outage, we are asking that you urgently conserve water while our local waters team work to get the back-up generator at the Foxton Water Treatment Plant online." Lines company Electra reported close to 8000 customers without power across the Horowhenua District, with outages at Foxton, Foxton Beach, Shannon, Tokomaru, and parts of Paraparaumu. The company said the scale of the outage had seen crews called back from holiday to work.
Road Closures and Travel Disruptions
Road crews were working to clear felled trees blocking State Highway 27 in the Manawatū district, with another section of the road closed when a truck rolled north of Shannon just after 9am. The driver was uninjured. State Highway 6 between Havelock and Hira at the top of the South also closed due to severe weather. NZTA said work was ongoing to assess the road’s susceptibility to wind and fallen trees. An alternative route is available via SH6/SH63 through the Wairua Valley. Travel across the Cook Strait was also impacted, with Interislander and Bluebridge ferries experiencing delays due to "very strong winds" and at least eight flights cancelled from Nelson Airport.
Weather Warnings and Watches
Heavy rain and strong wind warnings have been issued for central areas, including the Tasman ranges, Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, Buller, Grey, Westland, Kaikoura Coast, Wellington, Manawatū, Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast, Tararua, Wairarapa, and the Richmond/Bryant ranges. A Heavy Rain Warning – Orange has been issued for the ranges of Tasman District west of Motueka, and a Strong Wind Warning – Orange has been issued for Manawatū, Horowhenua, and Kapiti Coast. A Heavy Rain Watch has been issued for the Tararua District and Wairarapa, and a Strong Wind Watch has been issued for Wellington.
Event Cancellations and Precautions
Palmerston North City Council has cancelled its New Year’s Eve event, including both entertainment and fireworks displays, due to the severe winds forecast. "We are really sorry to have to make this call, especially knowing how many people were looking forward to celebrating together." The public is advised to exercise caution and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety during the severe weather. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.