Metservice.com
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH FOR BAY OF PLENTY ROTORUA, TAUPO, TAIHAPE, TARANAKI, TAUMARUNUI, HAWKES BAY, WANGANUI, MANAWATU, WELLINGTON,

BULLER, MARLBOROUGH, SOUTHLAND

HEAVY RAIN AND GALES FOR THE SOUTH ISLAND AND THE LOWER AND CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

A strong, moist northwest flow covering New Zealand is expected to remain until an active trough moves up the country during today and Sunday,bringing a colder southwest change.

A heavy rain Warning is in force for Westland south of Otira, the Canterbury and Otago Headwaters, Mount Taranaki and the Tararua Range. The watch for heavy rain over the North Island high country from Tongariro National Park to Taranaki has been upgraded to a Warning.

A Warning for severe gales is in force for Canterbury, Marlborough, Wellington and Wairarapa.

This Watch is for the possibility that rainfall accumulations could approach warning amounts about the Buller Ranges, Marlborough Sounds and the hills of Wellington and the Kapiti Coast from Saturday afternoon until early Sunday. Heavy rain is no longer expected in Southland and the watch for this area has been cancelled.

Rainfall amounts could reach short term warning thresholds, for example 70mm in 12 hours, over Taupo and the eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty on Sunday, and this area has been added to the watch.

In addition, this Watch is for the possibility of the strong to gale northwesterlies over the southern North Island reaching severe gale in Taranaki, Wanganui and Hawkes Bay during Saturday or early Sunday. The watch for severe gales in Taihape has been upgraded to a Warning.

People should be aware that further areas may be included in this watch, or upgraded to a warning as this event progresses, and are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts.


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