Thunderstorms are barrelling towards Auckland - due to hit in the coming hours - while evacuations continue at the top of the South Island, with heaving rain triggering flooding.
MetService has issued an urgent alert for Aucklanders to brace for torrential rain from 9am, saying driving will become “extremely hazardous” for morning commuters.
Meanwhile, parts of Marlborough are under a state of emergency as police urge motorists to stay put unless necessary due to “extreme conditions”, which have already closed State Highway 60.
Northland and Auckland are under a severe thunderstorm watch this morning, which is expected to lift early this afternoon, MetService said.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said speed limits had been reduced on the Auckland Harbour Bridge as 90km/h winds whip through the city this morning. Drivers should also be prepared for possible lane closures between 6am and 10am.
Wind gusts could trigger an amber alert, NZTA said.
Intense rainfall in northern regions could cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
Local state of emergency issued
A local state of emergency for part of Marlborough was issued by Mayor Nadine Taylor last night as flooding fears rose.
The Wairau River stopbank at Spring Creek is currently in a compromised state, so Marlborough Emergency Management advised residents to plan to evacuate from 6am.
The streets affected by this precautionary evacuation in Spring Creek are Dodson, Hathaway and March Sts and part of Ferry Rd.
A Civil Defence Centre to provide community support and information will open for evacuated residents.
Stadium 2000 in Blenheim will open from 9am and Tuamātene Marae at 2518 State Highway 1, Grovetown, will also be open at 7am.
Residents are encouraged to stay with friends and family as their first port of call.
Marlborough Emergency Management controller Richard MacNamara said, “All of Marlborough’s emergency and lifelines agencies are up to speed, and our response teams are ready to go.”
Watches and warnings across NZ
Most of the country has been put under a severe weather watch or warning this morning.
Auckland and Northland are both under severe thunderstorm watches.
These regions could see rainfall rates of up to 40mm/h.
Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and the Tasman District northwest of Motueka all face a heavy orange rain warning today.
“The Nelson and Tasman Region has had significant rain recently, and we’re expecting a lot more to fall by Friday evening,” MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said.
Before the end of today, northern parts of the South Island will likely see more than a month’s worth of rain.
Dunedin and North Otago are under a heavy rain watch, with heavy rain forecast.
In addition, snow is expected to affect parts of inland Otago and South Canterbury through Friday night and Saturday morning.
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