Key Takeaways:
- Severe thunderstorm and heavy rain watches are in place for the top half of New Zealand and the upper South Island
- An orange rain warning is in force for Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, until 11am on Friday, with up to 150 millimetres of rain expected
- Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to cause surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions
- Motorists are advised to drive with care, maintain safe following distances, and slow down to help keep everyone safe
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand welcomes the rain, but remains cautious that a few downpours alone will not change fire risk conditions
Introduction to the Weather Warning
A severe weather warning has been issued for the top half of New Zealand and the upper South Island, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to cause surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions. MetService has issued an orange rain warning for Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, until 11am on Friday, with up to 150 millimetres of rain expected. The warning is in place due to the high risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms, which could lead to flash flooding and slips.
Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings
Severe thunderstorm watches are in place for Northland, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatu, Tararua, Taranaki, Wellington, and Wairarapa until late on Thursday night, while Auckland, Waikato, Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula’s watches are in place until early Friday morning. MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons says the severe thunderstorm watches may be upgraded, and people should be prepared for localized downpours and thunderstorms. The risk of downpours due to thunderstorms is high for all of the North Island and the very top of the South Island, with the exception of Gisborne and northern Hawke’s Bay.
Preparation and Safety
MetService is warning people to prepare for localized downpours of 25 to 40 millimetres an hour, and to make sure their drains and gutters are clear before the heavy rain hits. Motorists are advised to drive with care, maintain safe following distances, and slow down to help keep everyone safe. The New Zealand Transport Agency spokesperson said motorists should be aware of possible flooding, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers, slips, fallen trees, reduced visibility, and hazardous driving conditions, and potential road closures or delays. The heavy rain could also cause potholes to form or worsen, creating additional hazards for drivers.
Impact on Fire Risk
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is welcoming the rain with open arms, but remains cautious that a few downpours alone will not change fire risk conditions. Fire bans and restrictions span across much of the country as the risk of wildfire intensified due to the recent hot and dry weather. Wildfire manager Tim Mitchell says the rain is "absolutely" welcomed, particularly to drier high-risk areas like Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa. However, fire risks remain in place, and restrictions could not be removed until grass in drier regions turns green. People should also be mindful that lightning strikes could start wildfires, but in contrast to Australia, New Zealand’s lightning is associated with rain.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The spell of rain and thunderstorms looks to pass for much of the country moving into the weekend. For more information on preparing and keeping safe during a storm, visit the Civil Defence Get Ready website. In the meantime, people are advised to stay informed about the weather and to take necessary precautions to stay safe. With the rain expected to bring some relief to the dry areas, it is essential to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential hazards that may arise. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, people can minimize the risks associated with the severe weather and stay safe.
