Key Takeaways:
- Wild weather is continuing to affect much of New Zealand, with strong winds and heavy rain causing disruptions and damage.
- Multiple warnings and watches are in place, including strong wind warnings for Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, and the West Coast, and heavy rain watches for the Tararua District and Wairarapa.
- Power outages have been reported in several regions, including the Kapiti Coast, West Coast, and Northland.
- Campground holidays have been disrupted, with some campers forced to leave due to destroyed tents and others hunkering down to wait out the weather.
- New Year’s Eve events, including Tauranga City Council’s community events, have been cancelled or modified due to the bad weather forecast.
Introduction to the Weather Situation
The weather in New Zealand is continuing to be severe, with strong winds and heavy rain causing disruptions and damage across the country. MetService Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane stated that the country can expect a windy day with several watches and warnings in place for strong winds and heavy rain. The northern and central parts of the North Island have already experienced strong winds, and other regions are still in the firing line. The latest updates on the weather situation can be found online, and residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Current Weather Forecast
The current weather forecast indicates that the West Coast, Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, and Wellington are expected to experience strong winds and heavy rain. A strong wind warning is in place for these regions, with gusts of up to 120km/h expected. Heavy rain watches are also in force for the Tararua District and Wairarapa, with up to 100mm of rain expected in some areas. The weather is expected to clear up by the end of the week, but until then, residents are advised to be prepared for severe weather conditions.
Power Outages and Disruptions
The severe weather has caused power outages in several regions, including the Kapiti Coast, West Coast, and Northland. Electra reported power cuts in Paekakariki, Foxton, and Shannon, while Buller Electricity Ltd reported power outages in Karamea, Little Wanganui, and Karamea Bluff. PowerCo also reported that hundreds of properties remain without power north of Whanganui, and around Palmerston North and Feilding. The power outages have caused disruptions to daily life, with some residents forced to go without electricity for extended periods.
Cleanup and Recovery Efforts
The cleanup and recovery efforts are ongoing, with firefighters and emergency services working to clear debris and restore power to affected areas. Fire and Emergency reported that State Highway 7 over the Rahu Saddle, between Reefton and Springs Junction, was affected by strong winds, and State Highway 6 had trees coming down, particularly through the Whangamoa Hills between Nelson and Blenheim. Firefighters responded to over 140 weather-related callouts in Auckland, Northland, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty, and are continuing to work to restore order to affected areas.
Impact on Campground Holidays
The severe weather has also had an impact on campground holidays, with some campers forced to leave due to destroyed tents and others hunkering down to wait out the weather. Campground managers in the North Island are hoping for sunnier weather leading up to New Year’s, but are preparing for the worst. Yvette Davey, the manager of Kūaotunu Campground on the Coromandel Peninsula, reported that a couple of campers had to go home after their tents were destroyed, but most campers were hunkering down and waiting for the weather to clear up. Leanne Mills, the owner of Long Bay Motor Camp in Coromandel, reported that campers were not too put off by the wet weather, and were using the opportunity to relax and catch up with friends.
New Year’s Eve Events
The severe weather has also affected New Year’s Eve events, with Tauranga City Council cancelling all five of its community events due to the bad weather forecast. The council reported that weather conditions were expected to be hazardous during event set-up, and it was unlikely that the weather would clear up in time for the events. However, fireworks displays are still expected to take place from various locations around the city on New Year’s Eve. Festivalgoers attending events such as Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne have been warned to watch out for wild weather on the roads and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.