Key Takeaways:
- Strong winds and heavy rain are affecting the North Island, with over 100 weather-related callouts in Auckland.
- A roof was torn off an unoccupied home in Hillsborough, and debris was scattered down the road.
- All lanes on Auckland’s Harbour Bridge were closed due to strong winds, but have since reopened.
- Ferry cancellations and power outages are reported in various areas, including Auckland and Northland.
- Heavy rain warnings are in place for Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, and the Coromandel Peninsula.
- Community events, including Tauranga City Council’s New Year’s Eve events, have been cancelled due to the bad weather forecast.
Introduction to the Weather Conditions
The North Island is experiencing severe weather conditions, with strong winds and heavy rain affecting various areas. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) responded to over 100 weather-related callouts in Auckland, with the most significant incidents reported in Pukekohe and Papakura. The strong winds have caused trees and power lines to come down, and a roof was torn off an unoccupied home in Hillsborough, scattering debris down the road.
Transportation Disruptions
The strong winds have also caused disruptions to transportation, with all lanes on Auckland’s Harbour Bridge closed for a period of time. Although the bridge has since reopened, motorists are still being urged to drive with care and expect delays. Additionally, ferry cancellations have been reported, with Auckland Transport announcing that a number of ferry sailings have been cancelled due to the weather. Replacement shuttles have been arranged, and passengers are advised to check the latest information via the AT Mobile app or the AT website.
Power Outages and Property Damage
The bad weather has also caused power outages in various areas, with Lines company PowerCo reporting outages in Carterton and Horopito. Power has been restored to some areas, including Kennedy Bay, Matamata, and Te Aroha, but repairs are still ongoing in other areas. The strong winds have also caused property damage, with reports of trees and power lines coming down, and roofs being torn off buildings.
Weather Warnings and Watches
MetService has issued a number of weather warnings and watches, including a Strong Wind Watch for Auckland and Great Barrier Island, and heavy rain warnings for Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, and the Coromandel Peninsula. The weather warnings are expected to continue throughout the day, with gusts reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour in some areas. Orange wind warnings are also in place for the Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, and the West Coast north of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Community Events and Safety Precautions
The bad weather has also affected community events, with Tauranga City Council cancelling all five of its community New Year’s Eve events due to the weather forecast. Festivalgoers for New Year’s events such as Rhythm and Vines have been warned to watch out for wild weather on the roads. Metservice meteorologist Katie Lyons has advised people in the Kāpiti Coast and Manawatū to prepare for the strong southeasterlies by tying down loose objects, and to expect the winds to accelerate and gain speed as they come up and down the hills.
Maritime Incidents and Emergency Responses
A yachtie ended up in the water north of Auckland after trying to get clear of the windy conditions. The Coastguard responded to the incident, but it was not safe for them to reach the man. He then tried to get to shore in his tender but ended up in the water. Emergency services were called, and the man was safely on land 10 minutes later, where he was checked by ambulance crews. The incident highlights the importance of taking safety precautions when engaging in maritime activities, especially in bad weather conditions.
Conclusion and Future Weather Outlook
In conclusion, the North Island is experiencing severe weather conditions, with strong winds and heavy rain affecting various areas. The bad weather has caused disruptions to transportation, power outages, and property damage, and has also affected community events. Metservice has issued a number of weather warnings and watches, and people are advised to take safety precautions and stay up to date with the latest weather information. The weather is expected to continue throughout the day, with the South Island experiencing the calmest weather conditions. However, the weather is expected to move south towards the South Island eventually, and people are advised to be prepared for any changes in the weather.