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Severe weekend weather from Tropical Cyclone Lusi could cause more trouble for Christchurch residents struggling with last week's storm clean-up, weather forecasters say.
Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit the top of the North Island late Friday - with a severe weather watch from MetService already in place for Northland, Auckland and Coromandel for Friday evening and Saturday.
The ex-cyclone will then head south and likely reach eastern parts of the South Island, including Christchurch, on Saturday night, MetService meteorologist Dan Corbett said.
Civil Defence officials and the Coastguard have already issued warnings for the rough weather, with people being reminded about an emergency survival kit and household emergency plan for adverse weather events.
The worst of the weather from Cyclone Lusi was likely to hit Northland on Saturday, track to the west of the North Island then head back across central New Zealand, exiting east of the South Island later on Sunday and Monday, Mr Corbett said.
"Many, many places will be under the gun - severe weather, gales - as the whole system just spreads down across the country through the day on Saturday and Sunday.''
Sodden-Christchurch residents needed to be extra wary of the storm conditions, he said.
"The ground is already very saturated. It doesn't take as much rain to cause problems there as ... if the ground was parched bone dry.
"They'll get into a time of persistent rain over eastern parts of the South Island. We've already had discussions with the council because of all the flooding in the last week or so.''
Mr Corbett expected most parts of the country would either have a severe weather watch or warning by Sunday.
WeatherWatch also said Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula were likely to bear the brunt of the severe weekend weather, with areas around Taranaki and Wanganui also at risk.
As the rain and winds moved further south, they were likely to weaken - however strong winds and heavy rain was still possible for Wellington and Canterbury on Sunday.
The storm was unlikely to have a large impact on Otago and Invercargill, WeatherWatch said.
• Heavy rain for the northeast of the North Island from Northland to Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne. Heavy rain also for the northeast of the South Island including Nelson, Marlborough and Canterbury.
• Gale force winds for most areas of the North Island and upper South Island, with severe or damaging gales in some places.
• Large coastal waves and storm surge for the northeast of the North Island, especially from Northland to Bay of Plenty.
Mr Hamilton said with winter approaching, storms should be expected and all households and work places should be prepared.
• Secure, or move indoors, all items that could get blown about in strong winds.
• Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas.
• If the wind becomes destructive, stay away from doors and windows and shelter inside the house.
• Water supplies can be affected so store drinking water in containers and fill bathtubs and sinks.
• Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges, and if power is lost, unplug major appliances.
• Bring pets inside. Move stock to shelter. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you.
