Metservice Weather Warnings
A rapidly deepening low approaches the South Island Friday morning, then crosses between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning as the associated fronts sweep across the North Island.
Warnings and watches for heavy rain and strong winds are now in force for many areas.
Please keep up to date with forecasts as more Warnings and Watches will likely be issued in the coming days.
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Tasman District northwest of Motueka
Period: 31hrs from noon Thu, 7 May - 7pm Fri, 8 May
Forecast: Expect 250 to 350 mm of rain, but possibly as much as 400 mm about the ranges.
Peaks rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected during Friday with thunderstorms possible.
Low 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.
Area: Buller District
Period: 33hrs from 10am Thu, 7 May - 7pm Fri, 8 May
Forecast: Expect 250 to 350 mm of rain about the ranges, and lesser amounts near the coast.
Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected during Friday with thunderstorms possible.
Low 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.
Area: Ranges of Nelson and Marlborough between Nelson City and the Awatere River, also Nelson Lakes National Park
Period: 27hrs from 6pm Thu, 7 May - 9pm Fri, 8 May
Forecast: Expect 120 to 180 mm of rain.
Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected from Friday morning with thunderstorms possible.
Low 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.
Area: Grey District
Period: 34hrs from 9am Thu, 7 May - 7pm Fri, 8 May
Forecast: Expect 150 to 250 mm of rain about the ranges.
Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected from this afternoon with thunderstorms possible.
Low 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: Canterbury High Country north of the Rangitata River
Period: 18hrs from 2pm Fri, 8 May - 8am Sat, 9 May
Forecast: Severe gale north to northwesterlies gusting 140km/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.
Area: Taranaki
Period: 9hrs from 3pm - midnight Fri, 8 May
Forecast: Severe gale northerlies gusting 130km/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.
Area: Wellington
Period: 14hrs from 3pm Fri, 8 May - 5am Sat, 9 May
Forecast: Severe gale northerlies gusting 140km/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.
Area: Marlborough southeast of the Awatere River
Period: 9hrs from 3pm - midnight Fri, 8 May
Forecast: Severe gale north to northwesterlies gusting 140 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: 10:21am Thu, 7 May
Next update: 9pm Thu, 7 May
Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.