MetService issues strong wind watch for inland Whanganui and Taihape, orange strong wind warning for Taranaki

Strong winds and rain are expected in Whanganui this afternoon and overnight as a weather system approaches from the west. Photo / Erin Smith

A strong wind watch is in place from 4pm today to 2am tomorrow for inland Whanganui and Taihape. Residents are urged to prepare for potential severe gales.

MetService said a weather system approaching from the west would bring strong northerly winds and rain.

There is an orange strong wind warning is in place for the Taranaki region until 10pm today, with possible severe northerly gales up to 130km/h in exposed places.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said people should secure loose items on their property and factor possible poor weather into travel plans.

“Road conditions and driving conditions could be a little bit difficult, especially in some of those more exposed areas,” she said.

Whanganui District Council said drivers should take care using high-sided vehicles, towing trailers or driving in exposed areas this afternoon and overnight.

Makgabutlane said there was a moderate chance Whanganui’s strong wind watch would upgrade to a warning, and a low chance Taranaki’s warning would upgrade to a red warning.

“Our teams will be keeping a close eye on those winds.

“If it does look like they’re a little bit stronger, those decisions would be made.”

The orange warning should still be taken seriously, she said.

“We could still see some of those impacts, things like damage to trees, power lines, damage to structures, difficult driving conditions.”

Rain is expected this evening and overnight in Whanganui. Northerly winds will begin to ease after 2am tomorrow and shift to westerlies and northwesterlies.

“Tomorrow we’re still expecting pretty windy conditions, maybe less ... than today, but still noticeably windy.”

On Sunday, winds will shift to south and southwesterly and remain through the day.

Daytime high temperatures are expected to be 22C today, 20C tomorrow and 19C on Sunday. Overnight lows of 14C tonight, 12C tomorrow and 7C on Sunday are forecast.

More information about how to prepare is on the MetService website.

“The best thing would be this afternoon ... into early tomorrow morning, being aware that there is a possibility and likelihood of strong winds and keeping an eye out for any updates.”

Erin Smith is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.