Metservice Weather Warnings
Heavy rain is expected for western areas of the South Island from Saturday, and severe west to northwest gales are likely to affect many areas on Sunday.
Snow is also expected to affect higher roads in the South Island on Sunday.
People are urged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts.
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Ranges of Buller and Grey districts
Period: 18hrs from 3pm Sat, 22 Aug - 9am Sun, 23 Aug
Forecast: Expect 90 to 120 mm of rain.
Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Thunderstorms possible Sunday morning.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly.
Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain.
Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Preparedness advice.
Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Area: Tararua District
Period: 16hrs from 4am - 8pm Sun, 23 Aug
Forecast: Severe gale west to northwest winds gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible.
Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds.
Drive cautiously.
Preparedness advice.
Area: Wairarapa
Period: 10hrs from 2am - noon Sun, 23 Aug
Forecast: Severe gale northwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible.
Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds.
Drive cautiously.
Preparedness advice.
Area: Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds
Period: 9hrs from 1am - 10am Sun, 23 Aug
Forecast: Severe gale northwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible.
Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds.
Drive cautiously.
Preparedness advice.
Area: Canterbury High Country
Period: 12hrs from 1am - 1pm Sun, 23 Aug
Forecast: Severe gale west to northwest winds gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.
Note, northwesterlies may approach severe gale on Saturday before the warning period starts.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible.
Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds.
Drive cautiously.
Preparedness advice.
Area: Southland south of Gore, also Stewart Island
Period: 10hrs from 6am - 4pm Sun, 23 Aug
Forecast: Severe gale westerlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.
Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible.
Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds.
Drive cautiously.
Preparedness advice.
Issued: 7:49pm Fri, 21 Aug
Next update: 10am Sat, 22 Aug
Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.