Thunderstorms are possible in western and southern parts of the country today bringing potentially damaging winds, heavy rain, hail, and snow to some areas.
Niwa recorded around 5000 lightning strikes offshore and near the western South Island yesterday while MetService recorded 1408 over a two-hour period with plenty more to come over the next couple of days.
An unstable west to northwest flow would cover central and southern New Zealand during the second half of today bringing thunderstorms to many western and southern areas.
In Taranaki and coastal Waitomo, any thunderstorms that develop would bring heavy rain and big winds that could exceed 110km/h and become damaging.
A heavy rain watch is in place for Taranaki, Taumarunui and Taihape until 6pm tonight.
Western North Island areas from Kawhia to Wellington, as well as Marlborough Sounds, could also see thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain, hail and big winds.
1408 ⚡ in two hours
— MetService (@MetService) August 16, 2021
Plenty more to come over the next couple days.
See if your place is in any of the risk areas here: https://t.co/BZWb7ZPiRd ^Lewis pic.twitter.com/SX2VEgTCJm
Mother Nature hasn't been conducting herself today ⚡
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) August 16, 2021
There has been around 5000 strikes near the western South Island & offshore today...
This animation will take you into the storm! ⛈️ pic.twitter.com/BpWaerBUm9
MetService has warned northwest gales could reach 130km/h in Wellington and could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures while making driving hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorbikes.
There is also a risk of thunderstorms in western South Island areas from Farewell Spit to Milford Sound, coastal Southland and Stewart Island, bringing heavy rain, hail and snow to 500-600m in the south and 900m in the north.
Thunderstorms could also hit inland Southland, eastern Otago and south Canterbury this afternoon and evening bringing hail and snow to 700-800m.
A windy, rainy start to the week - and another (weaker) front on Friday, before what looks to be a pretty good weekend. Pick of the working week goes to Weds for the South Island, and Thurs for the North. https://t.co/Yjbq0jxdqz ^TA pic.twitter.com/LTN2lE4W1N
— MetService (@MetService) August 16, 2021
Meanwhile, snow has begun to fall in the South Island this morning.
The Crown Range was closed to all vehicles but opened to vehicles with chains at 12pm. SH73 Springfield to Arthurs Pass was also closed to towing vehicles but has since full reopened.
SH94 Te Anau to Milford Rd is closed from Hollyford Rd Junction to Chasm, with heavy rain and snow increasing the avalanche hazard.
Trucker Steve Gray is stuck in Arthurs Pass. He said the snow is starting to mount around him.
"In front of me, the hills are looking fairly white and it's still coming down so it could be a while yet."
He said he is preparing to hunker down until he can get through.
Weather warnings have been issued for large areas of the South Island - including rain warnings for Buller, Nelson, Westland north of Otira, and Fiordland.
In the North Island, those in the Bay of Islands could see periods of heavy rain with a warning in place until Wednesday 3am.
💨Max gust yesterday: 181km/h💨
— MetService (@MetService) August 16, 2021
Our Otago radar is doing more than scanning for rain - its inbuilt weather station recorded the strongest gust yesterday with 181km/h! As you can see from this picture however, it is in a very exposed location. https://t.co/OG4xrGW2DZ ^TA pic.twitter.com/9Pykc92QEW
On Monday, Otago recorded the strongest wind gusts in the country, according to Metservice.