Key Takeaways:
- A severe thunderstorm watch has been lifted for most of the North Island, but Northland and Auckland remain at risk
- Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to produce intense downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour, causing surface and flash flooding
- Driving conditions will be hazardous due to 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
- Weather warnings and watches are in place for various regions, including Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Wellington
Introduction to the Severe Weather Warning
A severe thunderstorm watch has been lifted for a large swathe of the North Island, but Northland and Auckland remain in the firing line. 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. The forecaster has also warned that driving conditions will be hazardous due to surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
Weather Forecast and Expected Conditions
MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden has explained that a large, slow-moving low travelling west will bring bands of rain, showers, and possible severe thunderstorms to many parts of the country. Thunderstorms are already "sparking up" in southern Waikato near Waitomo and Taumarunui, with other areas at risk this evening. Lynden has warned that the most severe weather is within the watch zone, but further east, there is a reasonable risk of thunderstorms without those heavy downpours, affecting places like inland Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, and inland Hawke’s Bay.
New Year’s Eve Cancellations and Postponements
The severe weather forecast has led to the cancellation of several New Year’s Eve events. Palmerston North City Council has 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 has also cancelled all five of its community New Year’s Eve events, citing weather reports indicating "significant rain bands and strong wind gusts during event set-up, with conditions highly likely to continue into Wednesday". Additionally, Kaiteriteri has postponed its New Year’s Eve fireworks display until early January, and entertainment at Picton’s foreshore has been cancelled, although the fireworks will continue.
Weather Warnings and Watches
A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for several regions, including 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 has been issued for the ranges of Tasman District west of Motueka, from 9am Wednesday to 6am Thursday. Heavy rain watches are also in place for Buller, Richmond and Bryant ranges, including Rai Valley, from 11pm Wednesday to 3pm Thursday and 9am Wednesday to 9am Thursday, respectively.
Conclusion and Precautions
In conclusion, the severe weather forecast has led to the cancellation of several New Year’s Eve events, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. With heavy showers and thunderstorms expected to produce intense downpours, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks of surface and flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Drivers are also warned to exercise caution due to hazardous driving conditions caused by surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, residents can minimize the risks associated with the severe weather and stay safe during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.