Subj : Active front moves over NZ, orange rain warnings issued
To   : All
From : News
Date : Sun Jun 09 2024 12:29 pm

By 1News Reporters
10:30am

Heavy rain will thrash parts of the Tasman region and the West Coast with
MetService issuing orange warnings ahead of the deluge expected throughout
much of today.

Authorities are warning of the possibility of slips, surface flooding and
hazardous driving conditions throughout the lower North Island and upper
South Island.

Warnings and watches have been issued for parts of Wellington, Whanganui,
South Taranaki, the Tasman region, the West Coast and the eastern Bay of
Plenty.

According to MetService meteorologists: "An active front, preceded by a
strong and moist northerly flow, is expected to move over New Zealand from
the west during Sunday and Monday, followed by a broad trough of low pressure.

"These weather systems are forecast to bring a brief period of heavy rain to
northern and western regions, with the largest accumulations likely about the
ranges in the north and west of the South Island, also about eastern Bay of
Plenty.

"Gale force northerly winds are also likely about exposed parts of central
New Zealand for a time."

New warnings were issued by MetService at about 9am this morning.

Tasman, West Coast, BOP warnings
In Tasman, northwest of Motueka, possible thunderstorms are expected tonight
with up to 170mm of rain.

An orange heavy rain warning remains in force for the region until 1am
tomorrow.

"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding
and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous," the
forecaster warned.

"Expect 120 to 170mm of rain about the ranges, and 30 to 60mm closer to the
coast.

"Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h about the ranges from the afternoon and possible
thunderstorms from the evening."

An orange heavy rain warning also applies to Richmond, Bryant Ranges, and the
Rai Valley, between 12pm today and 3am tomorrow.

There was a further warning issued for Paparoa Range and the ranges of the
Buller District, south of Seddonville and northwest of Reefton, in addition
to the ranges of the Westland District.

An orange heavy rain warning has also been issued for the hills and ranges of
the eastern Bay of Plenty, including the Raukumara Range.

A strong wind watch has been issued for Wellington between 3pm Sunday and 6am
Monday, with overnight warnings for Whanganui and South Taranaki.

Warning for drivers in Wellington and Tasman
Road users should be ready for driving hazards on State Highway 6 and State
Highway 60, according to an NZTA Waka Kotahi traffic bulletin.

"Drivers using these routes must be alert for slips, tree falls, and
localised flooding."

Additionally, a strong wind watch for the capital has also led to new
warnings for high-sided vehicles and other drivers.

"Drivers of trucks, vans, motorcycles, towing vehicles, and light vehicles
must take extra care on exposed routes. This includes on State Highway 2
Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully,"
an NZTA spokesperson said.

"With the bad weather forecast to continue until early tomorrow, it is
essential people drive to the conditions and take extra care on the roads.

"This includes reducing speed, increasing following distances, and using
headlights when visibility is poor.

"In bad weather, roads can be closed at short notice. Drivers should check
road and weather conditions before travelling."

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