Weather forecasters are calling it a “triple whammy” of severe winds, rain, and snow over the next two days, with one warning there is “no shortage of severe weather risks”.
South Islanders are set to bear the brunt of the damaging weather system as it moves north and triggers gale and snow alerts across much of the island.
However, Wellington, Auckland, and most of the North Island’s east coast are also at risk of severe gales late today and tomorrow that could blow up to 120km/h in some places.
A heavy swell warning is also in place for Wellington’s south coast tomorrow night with waves rising up to 6m along with a fresh snow warning for the Desert Rd tonight.
“Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures,” MetService says.
“Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.”
MetService’s strong wind warnings and watches are now in place for the entire south and east of the South Island, stretching from Fiordland to Dunedin, Christchurch and Nelson.
Powerful winds are already hitting Queenstown, the Central Lakes and Fiordland where MetService’s strong wind warning lasts all day today until 3am on Wednesday.
Queenstown’s temperature was hovering around 6C mid-morning on Tuesday as heavy snow is expected to fall on to nearby mountain roads from midday, with more snowfalls then expected to potentially fall overnight tonight to lower altitudes of 200m.
And that’s not all. Queenstown locals may also have contend with heavy rain today as MetService advises them to use least four layers of clothing to rug up against the severe wind and rain.
Invercargill and Southland are also being hit by severe winds this morning with MetService also warning snow may fall down to 400m tonight.
Dunedin is also under a strong wind warning this morning as the city’s temperature drops from a high of 14C today to just 8C tomorrow.
Christchurch is also subject to a strong wind watch through until 4am tonight as the temperature takes a chilly dive from a high of 16C today to 10C tomorrow.
In the North Island, Aucklanders can today expect more settled conditions than those in the south with a high of 16C.
However, winds approaching gale force could hit the Auckland region - together with the Coromandel and Great Barrier Island - tomorrow, with MetService issuing a strong wind warning for the regions from 1pm and 6pm.
Wellington residents are set to have a much tougher time of it today and tomorrow as MetService has issued a strong wind warning from 6pm tonight until 3am tomorrow morning.
The city can expect a top of 14C today as gale-force winds hit in the afternoon and showers turn into widespread rain tonight.
A high of 12C with possible heavy rain is then expected tomorrow.
Hamilton, meanwhile, can expect rain with a top of 16C today, before the temperature drops to 13C tomorrow and then -1C overnight into Thursday.
Tauranga is set for a top of 16C today before rain develops tomorrow ahead of a top of 15C and then overnight low of 3C going into Thursday.
Napier residents are set for the pick of the weather today as the city expects a top of 20C with fine skies. However, the region will be buffeted by strong winds with a warning in place from 11pm tonight until 9am on Wednesday.
