Alright folks, buckle up because it looks like Mother Nature is about to throw a tantrum this weekend. MetService is warning us about heavy rain and strong winds heading our way as an active low pressure system sweeps across the South Island on Saturday night and Sunday morning. And just to keep things interesting, a front will be making its way across the North Island on Sunday. Fun times ahead, right?
In case you were wondering, an orange-level heavy rain warning has been issued for various areas including the Tararua Range, Tasman ranges northwest of Motueka, Canterbury Lakes headwaters, Arthur’s Pass, Buller, and the Westland District ranges. So, we’re looking at anywhere between 60 to 150 millimetres of rain accumulating in these regions. Keep an eye out for surface flooding, slips, and tricky driving conditions. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you hear some thunder rumbling in Canterbury and the West Coast.
But wait, there’s more! Marlborough, Wellington, and the Canterbury High Country will be experiencing some strong winds as well. An orange-level warning is in place, with gusts of up to 120km/h expected in exposed areas. So, if you have any loose items lying around outside, you might want to secure them before they go flying off. And hey, driving might be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re in a high-sided vehicle or on a motorcycle.
Now, for those of you in Bay of Plenty, Taumarunui, Waitomo, and other areas on the watchlist for heavy rain and strong winds – keep an eye out for any updates. There’s a moderate chance that these areas could get upgraded to a warning status. And for the Wairarapa folk, you’re also on the watchlist for strong winds, so hang tight and stay safe out there. And remember, it’s always a good idea to sign up for those weather alerts, just in case. Stay dry, stay safe, and let’s ride out this wild weather together.