Heather Keats on what’s brewing this week - and where to expect heavy rain.
Video / Herald Now
A main road south of Tekapo has reopened after gale-force winds caused a large truck’s trailer to roll and block multiple lanes.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the truck blocked both lanes at the Tekapo flyover/Tekapo Canal Road intersection this morning, closing State Highway 8 from Tekapo toLake Pukaki.
The road has since reopened.
NZTA said while the intersection is now clear, road users are still urged to take extra care in the strong winds.
Fire and Emergency NZ confirmed two crews responded to the incident on State Highway 8 this morning.
Gusts of up to 130km/h are forecast for the Canterbury High Country, the foothills of the Canterbury Plains, Wellington, Wairarapa and the Tararua Range.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said there was a “busy week of weather ahead”.
“Starting off today with some very blustery northwest winds moving up the South Island today [and] into Tuesday.
“Then it’s sort of petering out a little bit - but there is more weather to come as we get into Thursday.
“Maybe a little bit higher in intensity.
“Today, a lot of the warnings are covering the south and the east of the South Island.
“It’s the typical areas to be affected by these very strong northwesterly winds.”
A large truck carrying a trailer has rolled due to high winds, leaving a main road blocked south of Tekapo. Photo / NZTA
Damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures is possible, MetService has warned.
Driving may also be difficult in these areas, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
The headwaters of Canterbury’s lakes and rivers also have a heavy rain watch warning from tomorrow until Tuesday morning.
