Massive Tasman front to bring flooding rains and dangerous winds to New Zealand
TIL Creatives Storm clouds gather over New Zealand as the Tasman front nears, bringing rain, wind, and disruption
New Zealand is bracing for a significant weather event as a front moves in from the Tasman Sea. The front is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the country's western regions.
MetService has issued several warnings and watches for the approaching front. "A front sweeps over southern and central New Zealand from the Tasman Sea during Sunday and Monday, bringing a period of heavy rain and strong north to northwest winds," the forecaster stated.
Orange heavy rain warnings are in effect for Buller, the Westland ranges, parts of Canterbury, and parts of Otago from Sunday evening through until Monday morning(May 26).
Also Read: New Zealand weather alert: Know how the weekend will be, before it turns ugly next week
In the ranges of Westland and the headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers, about and south of Arthur's Pass, up to 200mm of rain is expected. "Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible," MetService warned.
Additionally, heavy rain watches have been issued for Taranaki, parts of Tasman, the Tararua range, and the Grey District. The forecaster noted that periods of heavy rain are expected and that amounts could approach warning criteria. Further heavy rain may impact Taranaki on Tuesday morning, and the watch could be extended.
Also Read: Why millions of New Zealanders' phones will buzz loudly this Sunday
A strong wind watch is also in place for Wellington, the Canterbury High Country, and Marlborough. Northerly and northwest winds could approach severe gales in some places, MetService said.The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has urged drivers, especially those traveling at the top of the South Island and lower North Island, to be prepared for adverse weather conditions on the roads. "This weather will affect State Highway 60 in Tākaka/Golden Bay, State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim, State Highway 63 Wairau Valley/St Arnaud, and State Highway 1 Picton to Kaikōura," a spokesperson said. "Road users must drive to the conditions and be prepared for hazards like slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding."Drivers of high-sided vehicles such as trucks and vans, as well as motorcyclists and towing vehicles, are cautioned due to strong winds, particularly on exposed routes like State Highway 2 at Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 through Transmission Gully. "Road users should also be alert to the chance of windblown debris, fallen trees, and downed power lines," the NZTA added.Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed any local advisories. The combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds poses risks of flooding, slips, and power outages. Preparation and caution are essential to ensure safety during this weather event.
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Nelson's day of deluge: Floodwaters swallow streets, toss cows, and ground flights
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25-05-2025
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Massive Tasman front to bring flooding rains and dangerous winds to New Zealand
TIL Creatives Storm clouds gather over New Zealand as the Tasman front nears, bringing rain, wind, and disruption New Zealand is bracing for a significant weather event as a front moves in from the Tasman Sea. The front is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the country's western regions. MetService has issued several warnings and watches for the approaching front. "A front sweeps over southern and central New Zealand from the Tasman Sea during Sunday and Monday, bringing a period of heavy rain and strong north to northwest winds," the forecaster stated. Orange heavy rain warnings are in effect for Buller, the Westland ranges, parts of Canterbury, and parts of Otago from Sunday evening through until Monday morning(May 26). Also Read: New Zealand weather alert: Know how the weekend will be, before it turns ugly next week In the ranges of Westland and the headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers, about and south of Arthur's Pass, up to 200mm of rain is expected. "Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible," MetService warned. Additionally, heavy rain watches have been issued for Taranaki, parts of Tasman, the Tararua range, and the Grey District. The forecaster noted that periods of heavy rain are expected and that amounts could approach warning criteria. Further heavy rain may impact Taranaki on Tuesday morning, and the watch could be extended. Also Read: Why millions of New Zealanders' phones will buzz loudly this Sunday A strong wind watch is also in place for Wellington, the Canterbury High Country, and Marlborough. Northerly and northwest winds could approach severe gales in some places, MetService New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has urged drivers, especially those traveling at the top of the South Island and lower North Island, to be prepared for adverse weather conditions on the roads. "This weather will affect State Highway 60 in Tākaka/Golden Bay, State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim, State Highway 63 Wairau Valley/St Arnaud, and State Highway 1 Picton to Kaikōura," a spokesperson said. "Road users must drive to the conditions and be prepared for hazards like slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding."Drivers of high-sided vehicles such as trucks and vans, as well as motorcyclists and towing vehicles, are cautioned due to strong winds, particularly on exposed routes like State Highway 2 at Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 through Transmission Gully. "Road users should also be alert to the chance of windblown debris, fallen trees, and downed power lines," the NZTA in the affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed any local advisories. The combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds poses risks of flooding, slips, and power outages. Preparation and caution are essential to ensure safety during this weather event.
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