Risk of deluge dissipates, snow still likely
A large weather system that threatened to bring a major deluge and flooding to Dunedin has moved off to the east of the country.
Since the beginning of this week, Civil Defence Emergency Management and the MetService have been keeping a close eye on the front which had potential to bring heavy rain today.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said a large area of low pressure in the Tasman Sea was forecast to move east across the South Island last night and early today.
Once the weather band moved off the country, it was expected to wrap around and lash the eastern part of the South Island with heavy rain.
While the weather band was still expected to wrap around, the heaviest falls would now be too far east into the Pacific Ocean to reach the Otago coastline.
Initially, it looked serious enough for the Dunedin City Council to notify contractors and ask them to have staff ready to clear leaf fall, check and clear the city's stormwater systems, sweep gutters and check mud tanks.
The latest MetService forecast showed there would be occasional rain today, but it was expected to clear in the afternoon, and southerlies would turn westerly.
However, MetService is still forecasting some snow about higher parts of inland Otago and Southland on Friday night and Saturday morning.
''Snow is likely to affect some of the higher roads about the south of the South Island and there is a possibility that the snow accumulations above 800 metres in Fiordland, Southland and southern Otago will be enough to require a warning.
''For Stewart Island, the south coast of the South Island and coastal Clutha, there is moderate confidence that southwesterlies will reach severe gale force.''
During King's Birthday weekend, there will be some showers on Saturday in Queenstown and Cromwell, and in Invercargill all weekend, but the remainder of the region will be dry for the entire weekend.
Also on Saturday, it is likely that southwest winds about Stewart Island, the south coast of the South Island, and coastal areas of Clutha and Dunedin will warrant a warning.
Weekend temperatures will be cooler and are not expected to reach the mid-teens until Monday.
john.lewis@odt.co.nz
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
3 days ago
- RNZ News
Strong wind warnings for lower North Island, parts of South Island
Strong wind warnings and watches are in place in parts of the South Island and lower west North Island. Photo: MetService Firefighters have attended multiple weather callouts overnight as strong winds batter the lower South Island, including for fallen trees and roofs lifting off houses. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said it had received 10 callouts in Invercargill since 2am on Saturday, and a few in Dunedin since 5am. A strong wind warning was in force for southern Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin until Saturday afternoon, where severe gale southwesterlies could gust up to 130km/h in exposed places. MetService said the strongest winds were expected overnight on Friday and during Saturday morning. Squally thunderstorms were also possible near the coast during Saturday morning. It said the possible impact was damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures. Motorists were warned that driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. "Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously" A wind warning was also in place for part of Hawke's Bay and the Tararua District until Saturday night. The weather warnings follow a tornado in Hamilton on Thursday night that caused property damage including a trampoline lifted into powerlines, and a hailstorm that pelted Cambridge that afternoon. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- NZ Herald
King's Birthday Weekend Weather: 130km/h winds and large swells hit NZ
This long King's Birthday weekend, a strong west to southwest flow is set to hit the country with severe 130km/h winds and 6m waves. Warnings and watches for severe gales are in place for several areas, with large swells expected to build along most coastlines, especially along the western South
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
MetService issues gale warnings for much of the South
Forget about wearing a hat today — you are likely to lose it. The severe overnight gales are expected to peak this morning, reaching speeds of up to 130kmh in exposed areas around the Otago and Southland coastlines. MetService has upgraded its earlier strong wind watch to an Orange warning for southern Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin, and there is a possibility it may be upgraded further to a Red warning. "The strongest winds are expected overnight Friday and Saturday morning and spreading over inland areas," a MetService spokesman said. "Squally thunderstorms are also possible near the coast." Moderate to moderately high storm tides were also expected until this evening, on the Otago coast. He said the wind could cause damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, and driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. The wind warning would remain in place until at least 3pm today. MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said the gales were being caused by a strong west-to-southwest flow which was affecting the entire country. But for the lower South Island, the winds were also dragging cooler temperatures, showers, and snow falling as low as 600m. "This will be welcome news for avid skiers and snowboarders, but is likely to affect alpine roads in the South Island." NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi spokesman Jarrod Booker said those planning on going to another destination this morning for a King's Birthday Weekend holiday should take extra care when driving. As well as the severe gales, snow was affecting some of the higher roads inland. "Road snowfall warnings have been issued for Lindis Pass, Crown Range Rd and Milford Rd, with 10cm-15cm potentially settling on Milford Rd above 800m. "Motorists are urged to adjust their speeds and following distances to the conditions, and to plan ahead and be prepared for any delays." Yesterday, Naseby got an early taste of the wintry conditions when snow settled on the streets of the Central Otago town and covered roads on the outskirts. The snow closed the Danseys Pass Rd to all but four-wheel drive vehicles, from the gates past the Danseys Pass Hotel. That followed rain and sub-zero temperatures around the Maniototo and Ida Valley areas. Fulton Hogan said drivers should continue to be wary of road conditions in the area, slow down and be cautious on bridge decks and shaded areas, where ice may have formed. The weather is forecast to be calmer and clearer tomorrow, but still cool.
