Key Takeaways:
- MetService is forecasting severe thunderstorms with a slight chance of a damaging tornado in parts of the North Island.
- Heavy rain warnings and watches are in place for several regions, including Bay of Plenty, Coromandel Peninsula, and Northland.
- Up to 120mm of rain is expected in some areas, with peak intensities of 15-25mm/h.
- Strong wind watches are also in place for several regions, including Northland, Auckland, and Wellington.
- The severe weather is expected to move east across the country on Thursday.
Introduction to Severe Weather
The MetService is forecasting a day of wild weather for parts of the North Island, with severe thunderstorms and heavy rain expected to hit several regions. The forecaster has issued a number of watches and warnings, including a severe thunderstorm watch for Northland, Auckland, and Great Barrier Island, and a heavy rain warning for Bay of Plenty and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti. The severe weather is expected to be caused by an active low-pressure system that is moving onto central and northern parts of the country.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
The MetService has issued severe thunderstorm watches for several regions, including Northland, Auckland, and Great Barrier Island, as well as Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Taupō. These watches are in place from 9:30am to 5pm today, and from 1pm to 6pm today, respectively. The forecaster is warning of very heavy rain, which may cause surface and/or flash flooding, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous. There is also a slight chance of a damaging tornado, which could cause significant damage to property and infrastructure.
Heavy Rain Warnings
In addition to the severe thunderstorm watches, the MetService has also issued heavy rain warnings for several regions. A heavy rain warning is in place for Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Ruatoria, until midnight tonight. Up to 120mm of rain is expected in these areas, with peak intensities of 15-25mm/h. The forecaster is warning of flash flooding, and is advising people to be prepared for hazardous driving conditions. Heavy rain watches are also in place for several other regions, including Northland, Auckland, and Coromandel Peninsula.
Strong Wind Watches
Strong wind watches are also in place for several regions, including Northland, Auckland, and Wellington. These watches are in place from 9pm tonight to 7am tomorrow, and from 8pm tonight to 5am tomorrow, respectively. The forecaster is warning of strong winds, which could cause power outages and property damage. The strong winds are expected to be caused by the same low-pressure system that is bringing the severe thunderstorms and heavy rain.
Regional Breakdown
The severe weather is expected to affect several regions across the North Island. In Northland, severe thunderstorms are expected to hit the region from 9:30am to 5pm today, with heavy rain and strong winds also expected. In Auckland, severe thunderstorms are expected to hit the region from midday to 5pm today, with heavy rain and strong winds also expected. The Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Taupō are also expected to be affected by severe thunderstorms and heavy rain. The top of the South Island is also expected to catch some of the weather, with watches in place for Marlborough, Nelson’s inland ranges, and the Kaikōura coast.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the MetService is forecasting a day of severe weather for parts of the North Island, with severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds expected to hit several regions. The forecaster has issued a number of watches and warnings, and is advising people to be prepared for hazardous driving conditions and potential power outages. It is essential for people to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings, and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the severe weather.