NZ Weather Forum

Severe Weather Warnings

Significant heavy rain and severe gale northwesterlies for parts of southern and central New Zealand

An active front is approaching the South Island from the Tasman Sea today, then moving northeast over the Island during Monday and Tuesday. This front, preceded by a strong, moist and unstable northwest flow, is expected to bring significant heavy rain to western and central parts of the South Island and severe gales to Fiordland and eastern areas of the South Island, also Wellington and southern Wairarapa. Warnings and Watches are in force.

This is likely to be a significant severe weather event. People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, as some areas could be upgraded to Red Warning, and more areas added.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Westland south of Otira

Period: 47hrs from 2pm Sun, 17 Jul - 1pm Tue, 19 Jul

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms. Expect 300 to 450mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, and 100 to 180mm near the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h about the ranges. Freezing level about 1400 metres, rising to about 2000 metres by midnight tonight. Please note, that this warning could possibly be upgraded to a Red Warning.

Area: The headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass

Period: 44hrs from 5pm Sun, 17 Jul - 1pm Tue, 19 Jul

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms possible. Expect 300 to 450mm of rain to accumulate about the main divide, and 200 to 300mm within 20 to 30km east of the divide especially south of the Rakaia. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h about the divide. Please note, that this is unusually significant spillover, and this warning could possibly be upgraded to a Red Warning. Please also note, that significant snowmelt could further enhance river flows. Freezing level about 1400 metres, rising to 2000 metres by midnight Sunday.

Area: The headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers

Period: 36hrs from 1pm Sun, 17 Jul - 1am Tue, 19 Jul

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms possible. Expect 250 to 380mm of rain to accumulate about the divide, and 130 to 200mm within 20km east of the main divide. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h about the divide. Note, freezing level 1300 metres, rising to about 2000 metres by midnight Sunday.

Area: Fiordland

Period: 36hrs from 11am Sun, 17 Jul - 11pm Mon, 18 Jul

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms. Expect 180 to 280mm of rain to accumulate north of Doubtful Sound, and 120 to 180mm farther south. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h.

Strong Wind Warning - Orange

Impact: Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Area: Marlborough

Period: 32hrs from 2am Mon, 18 Jul - 10am Tue, 19 Jul

Forecast: Northwest gales are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 120 km/h.

Area: Canterbury

Period: 36hrs from 6pm Sun, 17 Jul - 6am Tue, 19 Jul

Forecast: Northwest gales are forecast to be severe in exposed places, with gusts reaching 150 km/h about the High Country, and 120 km/h farther east.

Area: Otago

Period: 34hrs from 1pm Sun, 17 Jul - 11pm Mon, 18 Jul

Forecast: Northwest gales are forecast to be severe in exposed places, with gusts reaching 130 km/h.

Area: Fiordland, Southland and Stewart Island

Period: 32hrs from 11am Sun, 17 Jul - 7pm Mon, 18 Jul

Forecast: Northwest gales are forecast to be severe in exposed places, with gusts reaching 120 km/h.

Richard wrote:Its that mid Canterbury that has snow lower down, and that's where most of the rain is likely to fall too, not good. Its that 150kmph that is a worry for here, how far east that wind speed gets is the question

Richard wrote: ↑Sun 17/07/2022 12:38 Its that mid Canterbury that has snow lower down, and that's where most of the rain is likely to fall too, not good. Its that 150kmph that is a worry for here, how far east that wind speed gets is the question

Razor wrote: ↑Mon 18/07/2022 01:23 Gusty winds, enough to wake the clan at our Castle Hill digs. Early days yet

Lawrence wrote: ↑Mon 18/07/2022 06:51
Thank got we've got the shelter belt,is all I can say.

Lawrence wrote: ↑Mon 18/07/2022 11:38 The worst of the wind seems to be coming through here at the moment, largest gust @11:15, 62.3 km/h.Fearing for some garden plants,but it is what it is.
Can't imagine what it's like in more exposed areas,it must be horrendous.
I'm expecting to hear the fire brigade siren if this gets any worse.