Key Takeaways
- A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for a large part of the North Island, including Auckland, Hamilton, Whanganui, and Palmerston North, from 1pm to 10pm on Wednesday.
- Heavy rain warnings and watches are in place for the top of the South Island, including the Tasman ranges west of Motueka, Buller, and the Richmond and Bryant ranges.
- The storms are expected to bring intense downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour, causing surface and flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
- Driving conditions will be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
- Several New Year’s Eve events have been cancelled or postponed due to the severe weather forecast.
Introduction to the Severe Weather Warning
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for a large swathe of the North Island, stretching from Whangārei in the north to the Wairarapa in the south. The watch is in effect from 1pm to 10pm on Wednesday, with Auckland, Hamilton, Whanganui, and Palmerston North being in the firing line for the storms. MetService has warned that conditions are primed for heavy showers and thunderstorms capable of producing intense downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour, which can cause surface and flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas such as streams, rivers, or narrow valleys.
The Cause of the Severe Weather
According to MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden, a large, slow-moving low travelling west is bringing bands of rain, showers, and possible severe thunderstorms to many parts of the country. The low is pulling northerlies down over much of the North Island, resulting in strong convergence, or wind coming in from both sides of the island. As the wind hits the land, it pushes up, creating a long, narrow shape of thunderstorms. The winds meet in the central areas of the North Island, providing the impetus for the thunderstorms. Thunderstorms were already "sparking up" in southern Waikato near Waitomo and Taumarunui, with other areas at risk this evening.
Impact on New Year’s Eve Events
The severe weather forecast has led to the cancellation of several New Year’s Eve events. Palmerston North City Council cancelled its New Year’s Eve event in The Square due to forecasted severe winds, including all entertainment and both fireworks displays. Tauranga City Council also cancelled all five of its community New Year’s Eve events, citing significant rain bands and strong wind gusts during event set-up. Kaiteriteri has postponed its New Year’s Eve fireworks display until early January, and entertainment at Picton’s foreshore has been cancelled, with the fireworks to continue.
Weather Warnings and Watches
A full list of weather warnings and watches has been issued by MetService. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in place for Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taranaki, Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatu, Tararua, Kapiti-Horowhenua, Wairarapa, and Wellington from 1pm to 10pm on Wednesday. A Heavy Rain Warning – Orange is in place for the ranges of Tasman District west of Motueka from 9am Wednesday to 6am Thursday. Heavy Rain Watches are also in place for Buller, the Richmond and Bryant ranges, and Rai Valley.
Conclusion and Precautions
The severe weather warning and watches are a reminder to take necessary precautions to ensure safety. Driving conditions will be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain, and people are advised to exercise caution when traveling. The cancellation of New Year’s Eve events is a disappointment, but it is essential to prioritize safety above all else. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, people can minimize the risks associated with the severe weather and stay safe. It is essential to stay up to date with the latest weather forecast and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure a safe and happy New Year’s Eve celebration.