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![]() NZ Severe Weather WarningsSEVERE WEATHER WARNING Issued by MetService at 8:58 pm Tuesday 19-Jan-2021 Heavy rain and severe gales for parts of southern and central New Zealand An active cold front over the west of the North Island should continue to track northeast and away from New Zealand tonight (Tuesday) and during Wednesday morning. The front is preceded by strong and moist northwesterlies, then followed by an unstable west to southwest flow. Heavy Rain Warnings remain in force for Fiordland, Westland and the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers, while Heavy Rain Watches remain in force for coastal Southland, the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers, and Buller. Please note, the Heavy Rain Watches for northwest Nelson, the Tararua Range and Mount Taranaki are now lifted. In addition, Strong Wind Warnings remain in force for the Canterbury High Country and Wairarapa, while Strong Wind Watches remain in force for the Tararua District and Central Hawkes Bay. Please note, the Strong Wind Watch for Fiordland and western Southland has been lifted, but a new Strong Wind Watch is now in force for the possibility of severe gale southwesterlies in southern Fiordland, Southland, Clutha and Dunedin. Also note, the Strong Wind Warnings for Marlborough and Wellington are now lifted. People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any Watches are upgraded to Warnings, or further areas are added. =========================== HEAVY RAIN WARNING - ORANGE =========================== Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous. Area: The ranges of Westland south of Otira Valid: 19 hours from 8:00 pm Tuesday to 3:00 pm Wednesday Forecast: Expect a further 80 to 100mm of rain to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h, and thunderstorms likely. Freezing level lowering to 1400 metres tonight (Tuesday). Area: The headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers Valid: 8 hours from 8:00 pm Tuesday to 4:00 am Wednesday Forecast: Expect a further 40 to 60mm of rain to accumulate within 15km east of the main divide on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h, and thunderstorms likely. Freezing level lowering to 1600 metres tonight ( Tuesday). Area: Fiordland Valid: 31 hours from 8:00 pm Tuesday to 3:00 am Thursday Forecast: For the area from Breaksea Sound northwards, and from 8pm Tuesday to 8am Wednesday: Expect a further 70 to 100mm of rain to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h, with isolated thunderstorms. For the area south of Breaksea Sound, and from 3am Wednesday to 3am Thursday: Expect 100 to 120mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h, with isolated thunderstorms. Freezing level lowering to 1300 metres this evening (Tuesday). Change note: Have split the area in two, north and south of Breaksea Sound. The flow should turn southwest early Wednesday morning, and the heavy rain should become confined to south of Breaksea Sound where rainfall amounts are likely to reach warning criteria through to early Thursday morning. ============================ STRONG WIND WARNING - ORANGE ============================ Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Area: Wairarapa excluding the Tararua District Valid: 5 hours from 8:00 pm Tuesday to 1:00 am Wednesday Forecast: Northwest gales are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 130 km/h in exposed places. Area: Canterbury High Country Valid: 13 hours from 8:00 pm Tuesday to 9:00 am Wednesday Forecast: Northwest gales are forecast to be severe at times in exposed places, with gusts reaching 120 km/h. =========================== WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE =========================== Strong wind warning lifted for: Marlborough Strong wind warning lifted for: Wellington An update for severe weather will be issued by: 10:00 am Wednesday 20-Jan-2021 A service provided through a contract with the Crown (C) Copyright Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd 2021 Article © 2021 NZCity, Metservice, Funded by the NZ Government ![]() |
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