Key Takeaways
- Flooding has closed the key road link between Canterbury and the West Coast, with State Highway 73 between Otira and Arthur’s Pass being closed due to a mudslide.
- Orange heavy rain warnings were in place for the Westland ranges, Haast, and the headwaters of lakes and rivers south of Arthur’s Pass.
- Strong winds brought down trees and caused surface flooding, with a severe wind warning in place for Marlborough and the Tararua District, Wairarapa, and Wellington.
- The South Island experienced intense thunderstorms, with heavy rain recorded in areas such as Mt Cook Village, Arthur’s Pass, and Carrington.
- Temperatures in Christchurch and Kaikōura reached 32.9 and 34 degrees Celsius respectively, making them among the hottest places in New Zealand on Sunday.
Introduction to the Weather Event
The West Coast of New Zealand experienced severe weather conditions, with strong winds and heavy rain causing significant disruptions to transportation and daily life. The key road link between Canterbury and the West Coast was closed due to flooding, with State Highway 73 between Otira and Arthur’s Pass being affected by a mudslide. The road was closed at around 4:30 pm but was reopened by 9 pm, with a temporary 30km/h speed restriction in place. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) advised road users to expect delays and to travel with extra care.
Weather Warnings and Alerts
The MetService issued several weather warnings and alerts for the region, including orange heavy rain warnings for the Westland ranges, Haast, and the headwaters of lakes and rivers south of Arthur’s Pass. These warnings were in place until 9 pm, with the possibility of heavy rain causing surface flooding and slips. Additionally, a severe wind warning was in place for Marlborough until 9 pm, with severe gale northwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. A severe wind warning was also in place for the Tararua District, Wairarapa, and Wellington, which was set to end at 4 am on Monday.
Impact of the Weather
The strong winds and heavy rain caused significant disruptions to the region, with trees being brought down and surface flooding occurring. The NZTA advised road users to avoid the area or delay their journey if possible, due to the hazardous conditions. The weather also caused power outages and property damage, with emergency services working to respond to the situation. The MetService meteorologist, Rob Kerr, stated that the strong winds meant that a band of intense thunderstorms spread across the South Island, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region.
Temperature Extremes
Despite the severe weather conditions, some parts of the South Island experienced extremely high temperatures. Christchurch and Kaikōura were among the hottest places in New Zealand on Sunday, reaching temperatures of 32.9 and 34 degrees Celsius respectively. These temperatures were close to the national high of 36.3 degrees Celsius, which was recorded in the Hawke’s Bay. The temperature extremes highlighted the unpredictable nature of the weather in the region, with both hot and cold conditions being experienced in different areas.
Conclusion and Advice
In conclusion, the severe weather event that affected the West Coast of New Zealand caused significant disruptions to transportation and daily life. The NZTA and MetService advised road users to exercise caution and to check for updates before traveling. The public was also advised to stay informed about the weather conditions and to follow the instructions of emergency services. As the weather continues to be unpredictable, it is essential for individuals to be prepared and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can minimize the risks associated with severe weather events and stay safe.