Latest news with #Metservice
Scoop
4 days ago
- Climate
- Scoop
First Big Taste Of Winter Prompts Warning To Motorists
Potentially heavy snowfalls in the South Island have the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urging motorists to exercise caution, especially at higher elevations, and to avoid travel where possible in hazardous conditions. Metservice says heavy snow is possible in Canterbury from tomorrow above 300m, or possibly lower, through until Thursday, with potential for travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines. Those planning to travel through SH73 Porters Pass to Otira (Arthurs Pass), SH7 Lewis Pass, or SH8 Burkes Pass to Twizel, are encouraged to check before setting off and plan for any potential disruption. With large parts of the state highway network across the central and lower South Island being at higher elevations, NZTA System Manager Mark Pinner says motorists need to be prepared and to follow good winter driving habits. 'It's not just snow on the ground that is a potential hazard, it's heavy frosts and ice where the danger may not be as visible. People need to remember to adjust their speed to suit the conditions, to increase their following distances and use their headlights to be seen.' 'If you can avoid or delay travel on roads while there is elevated risk, that's sensible. Stay up to date on the latest reports about the State Highway network by visiting our Journey Planner,' Mr Pinner says. 'We'll be getting the best advice from the Metservice on how the weather is likely to unfold, and we'll be doing our best to keep the highways open and safe for motorists through this cold snap. Being prepared with warm clothing, snacks and water and other supplies in case of delays is always a smart move.' Heavy rain is forecast to affect Fiordland, and Buller, Grey and Westland Districts between Karamea and Harihari tomorrow, and drivers in those areas are also urged to take care on the roads, plan ahead and be prepared.
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
It's not cold if you're quick
REPORT: LAINE PRIESTLEY / PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH Feargal O'Donoghue and Aoife MacSweeney brave the cold southern water at St Kilda Beach on King's Birthday yesterday. People wanting to enjoy a brisk dip at the beach should head out today as the temperature would take a significant plunge later this week, a Metservice meteorologist said. Dunedin could expect a fine day today with some passing cloud overhead, but the weather would take a turn tomorrow. "It will start to get wet from about late morning then it's expected to set in there," he said. The rain clouds would clear on Thursday to a partly cloudy day, before the rain returned for Friday and the weekend. "I must mention the drop in temperature — we're expecting temperature to drop in the South Island ... Dunedin, to be specific, will be dropping to about 7°[C] on Friday and Saturday."
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Wintry Conditions May Affect Southern Motorists
Southern motorists are being urged to take care as strong winds and snow are forecast to hit ahead of the long holiday weekend. Metservice is advising of a strong west to southwest air flow impacting Southern Fiordland, Southland, Clutha and Dunedin in the 24 hours from 2pm today. Southwest winds may approach gale force in exposed places and the strongest winds are expected tomorrow morning. The strong winds may cause damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, making driving difficult. Those driving high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and towing vehicles are urged to take particular care. Road snowfall warnings have been issued for Lindis Pass, Crown Range Road and Milford Road for today, with 10-15cm potentially settling on Milford Road 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. See our winter driving advice at: Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Drivers Urged To Drive To The Conditions With Bad Weather Forecast
Drivers travelling in the top of the South Island and lower North Island are urged to be ready for bad weather on the roads For the top of the South, the Metservice has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for Tasman northwest of Motueka, and a Strong Wind Watch for Marlborough. Both apply from midnight tonight (Sunday) until noon tomorrow (Monday). 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. In the lower North Island, a Strong Wind Watch has been issued for Wellington, and a Heavy Rain Watch applies to the Tararua Ranges for tomorrow (Monday). The Metservice warns that winds may approach severe gales at times. People travelling elsewhere in the South Island also need to be aware that weather alerts are also in place for the West Coast and the Canterbury High Country. Drivers should check road and weather conditions before they travel. Drivers must be prepared for bad weather driving and take extra care on the roads. Road users must drive to the conditions and be prepared for hazards like slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding. The forecast strong winds also pose hazards to drivers of high-sided vehicles (truck and vans), as well as motorcyclists and towing vehicles. Caution is required, particularly on exposed routes like State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully. Road users should also be alert to the chance of windblown debris, fallen trees, and downed power lines. Because wet weather makes roads slippery, drivers should reduce their speed, increase following distances, avoid sudden braking, and take extra care when overtaking. They should also use headlights if visibility is poor to ensure they can be seen on the roads.
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Selwyn Mayor Announced State Of Emergency From Wellington
A decision by the Selwyn mayor to fly to Wellington while his region was under a heavy rain warning has been defended by the council boss. Mayor Sam Broughton announced a state of emergency for his flood-hit region in a social media post on May 1 at 6.30am, from a hotel room in the Capital. Broughton and councillor Elizabeth Mundt flew to Wellington on the afternoon of April 30 for the All of Local Government meeting – a gathering of council and Government representatives. The Metservice had issued an orange rain warning for Canterbury on the morning of April 30. Locals have expressed anger on social media that Broughton was not in Selwyn during the emergency. Selwyn District Council chief executive Sharon Mason defended the decision for Broughton – who is the Local Government NZ president – to attend the event. 'We had been watching the weather forecasts all week, and the advice was that the bulk of the rain would fall in Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura, and it was okay to travel,' Mason said. As the weather changed, Mason said she discussed with Broughton that it was better for her to remain in Selwyn. 'Sam stayed updated on developments from the team that evening and early Thursday morning when the decision was made to declare a state of emergency,' Mason said. 'As it became clear that the predicted rain was falling further south than anticipated by both MetService and ECan [Canterbury's regional council] Flood Controllers, every effort was made to ensure smooth communication, and Cr Sophie Innes was deputised with the powers associated with the state of emergency. The stormy weather in Wellington cancelled all flights in and out of the Capital, so the mayor drove to Palmerston North to catch a flight back on the afternoon of May 1, she said. The state of emergency was lifted at 3pm on Friday. On his return, Broughton travelled in a helicopter with Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mithcell, MP Vanessa Weenink members of the civil defence team. Mason said it 'provided a clear view of the hardest-hit areas and an overview of where swollen rivers and streams had overflowed'. 'This was also an opportunity to explain to Minister Mitchell the dynamics of Te Waihora, particularly the importance of the lake's water level and the right tidal conditions for an effective opening.' A week later, the district is still counting the cost of the heavy rainfall and flooding, but Mason said it was too early to estimate the cost of recovery. Mason said the focus is on supporting people who had homes and properties affected by flooding. The council was also assessing the damage to roads and bridges. Broughton said the goal is always to prepare early, communicate clearly, open the Emergency Operations Centre promptly, and take a precautionary approach. 'While I believe we did these things well, there will always be room for improvement. 'I am incredibly proud and thankful for the hard work of our teams, our emergency services, and the great work neighbours did with and for each other.' The hardest hit areas were around Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere, including the towns of Leeston and Doyleston, which suffered severe surface flooding. There was some criticism that Te Wiahora Lake Ellesmere could have been opened to the sea sooner to avoid the water flowing down the bulging Selwyn River from backing up and causing surface flooding. ECan hazards general manager Leigh Griffiths said it was supposed to be opened before the heavy rain, but an opening wasn't possible. 'We didn't attempt an opening at that time because of the sea conditions – the swell was too large, so we were confident any attempts at opening wouldn't succeed.' The lake opening is jointly managed by Ngāi Tahu and ECan, and governed by the National Water Conservation Order and suite of Resource Consents. Griffiths said consultation for a lake opening started on April 28, and a joint decision was made to open late on April 29, with the heavy rain starting on May 1. An opening was made on May 3, but the tide and waves closed it up again overnight, Griffiths said. The lake was successfully opened to the sea again on Monday and remained open for 24 hours. 'Sea conditions are currently good. Machinery remains onsite to help the process along.' The cost of each opening ranges from $20,000 to $150,000, depending on the amount of work.
