Severe weather warning still in place for Bay of Plenty

Heavy rain warning in place for Bay of Plenty, particularly eastern ranges. Photo/ File

A heavy rain warning is in force for the Bay of Plenty, particularly about the Eastern Bay of Plenty ranges, as a significant weather event is forecast to hit New Zealand today.

MetService said an active frontal system moved across the North Island this morning, bringing further rain and northwest gales.

Between 9 am and 5pm a further 50 to 80mm of rain was expected to accumulate in the ranges of eastern Bay Of Plenty, and at its peak intensify to 15 to 23mm/h.

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous, MetService said.

"In the wake of this, a very cold and unstable air mass will also spread over southern New Zealand from the southwest, and snow is forecast to fall to low levels."

"This continues to be a significant weather event," MetService said in a statement this morning.

"Strong winds could make driving hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Snow is also expected to affect many higher roads and passes across the South Island, causing disruption to travel.

"Also, the combination of snow and strong cold southwest winds is likely to cause stress to livestock.

"People are urged to take extra precautions, especially those travelling, and to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings for their area as the event unfolds."

They are also heavy rain warnings in place for Taumarunui. Tongariro National Park, Canterbury headwaters about and south of Arthurs Pass up to 1pm.

Plus strong gusts are expected in Wellington and Wairarapa excluding the Tararua District
over the next 5 to 6 hours, and gusts may still reach 120km/h.