Key Takeaways
- Wild weather is continuing to affect much of New Zealand, with multiple warnings and watches in place for strong winds and heavy rain.
- Several regions are still in the firing line, including the northern and central parts of the North Island, and the West Coast.
- Power cuts have been reported in several areas, including the Kapiti Coast and the West Coast.
- Campground managers in the North Island are hoping for sunnier weather leading up to New Year’s after a lashing of wind and rain.
- Festivalgoers for New Year’s events have been warned to watch out for wild weather on the roads.
Introduction to the Wild Weather
The wild weather that has been battering much of New Zealand is continuing to cause disruptions and damage. According to MetService Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane, the country can expect another day of strong winds and heavy rain, with several watches and warnings still in place. The northern and central parts of the North Island, as well as the West Coast, are still in the firing line, with strong wind warnings and heavy rain watches in force.
Current Weather Forecast
The current forecast indicates that the strong wind warnings for the northern and central parts of the North Island have expired, but several regions remain under warning. Electra is reporting power cuts on the Kapiti Coast, affecting Paekakariki, Foxton, and Shannon, while Buller Electricity Ltd has reported power outages in Karamea, Little Wanganui, and Karamea Bluff. MetService is predicting another day of heavy rain and strong south-east gales for central New Zealand, with a strong wind warning in place for Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, and the West Coast north of Fox Glacier until 2pm. Wellington is under a wind watch until 9pm, and heavy rain watches are in force for the Tararua District and Wairarapa until 4pm, and the Kaikoura Coast until 9pm.
Cleanup and Disruptions
The wild weather has caused significant disruptions and damage, with cleanup efforts ongoing in many areas. In the South Island, strong winds brought down trees overnight, and Fire and Emergency reported that State Highway 7 over the Rahu Saddle, between Reefton and Springs Junction, was affected. State Highway 6 also had trees coming down, particularly through the Whangamoa Hills between Nelson and Blenheim. Firefighters were still being called out into the evening across the North Island, taking the total number of weather-related jobs to about 140 in Auckland, Northland, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty. PowerCo reported that hundreds of properties remain without power north of Whanganui, and around Palmerston North and Feilding.
Impact on Campgrounds and Holiday Events
The wild weather has also had a significant impact on campgrounds and holiday events. Campground managers in the North Island are hoping for sunnier weather leading up to New Year’s after a lashing of wind and rain. The manager of Kūaotunu Campground on the Coromandel Peninsula, Yvette Davey, reported that the weather had caused a bit of disruption, with a couple of campers forced to go home after their tents were destroyed. However, many campers are hunkering down and making the most of the situation, with some using the wet weather as an excuse to relax and read a book. Leanne Mills, the owner of Long Bay Motor Camp in Coromandel, said that campers were not too put off by the wet weather, and that the campground had received continued support from its regulars.
Preparations for New Year’s Events
As the country prepares to ring in the new year, festivalgoers for New Year’s events such as Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne have been warned to watch out for wild weather on the roads. Tauranga City Council has cancelled all five of its community New Year’s Eve events due to the bad weather forecast, although fireworks displays are still expected to take place from various locations around the city. The council said that weather reports indicated heavy rain and strong winds during event set-up, with conditions highly likely to continue into Wednesday. With the wild weather showing no signs of easing, it’s essential for people to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
