A yacht ripped loose from its moorings by wind washes on to rocks at Evans Bay, near Wellington International Airport, yesterday. Photo / Mark Mitchell
A yacht ripped loose from its moorings by wind washes on to rocks at Evans Bay, near Wellington International Airport, yesterday. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Auckland is in for downpours today - meaning football fans at the Fifa U-20 World Cup final should pack their wet weather gear.
The final between Brazil and Serbia is due to start at 5pm at North Harbour Stadium.
The prospect of heavy rain could also affect the third place battle between Mali and Senegal, which kicks off at 1.30pm.
MetService meteorologist Emma Blades said the weather was not looking good for the Auckland region.
"It looks like it's going to be pretty wet. The rain develops in the morning, and we've got heavy falls there from afternoon and evening.
"That rain is not going to clear until night. On top of that they have also got strong northerlies forecast with gales gusting up to 90km/h in exposed places. It is not going to be a pleasant journey to and from the match; it's going to be pretty yuck."
Things weren't looking much better for other parts of the country either, Ms Blades said.
"The rain band that is currently sitting over central New Zealand, that's gradually making its way up the country. So there is going to be rain with some heavy falls for a lot of areas in the west."
Snow-covered Cardrona looks set for the ski season.
Rain and wind that caused havoc in Wellington and the Kapiti Coast yesterday would ease today. Fierce winds in the capital ripped a yacht from its mooring and washed it on to the rocks, and two trucks were blown off the road in high winds near the Manawatu.
A severe weather warning was also in place today as winds of up to 130km/h lashed the capital, accompanied by plenty of rain.
For those down south, there would still be plenty of showers around tomorrow, Ms Blades said.
Further south, heavy snowfalls and ice on the lines cut power in Canterbury, leaving 1500 people without electricity overnight.
The Transport Agency cautioned motorists about treacherous driving conditions.
Ms Blades said a cold snap would replace the storm early next week.
"It's going to be drier, but colder, with the potential for some severe frosts in places. We're going to have some quite clear skies going through to Tuesday and Wednesday, so lovely and sunny but those night-time temperatures are going to drop below freezing for many places."
Today's forecast
Whangarei: Rain. N winds. High 18C low 11C Auckland: Rain, heavy at times. Strong N winds, easing later. 17C, 11C Hamilton: Rain, heavy, eases evening. N winds ease. 17C, 7C Tauranga: Heavy rain clears overnight. Strong N winds. 18C, 9C
Tomorrow Whangarei: Fine, few showers. SW. 16C, 9C Auckland: Fine spells, few showers. SW. 14C, 9C Hamilton: Cloudy, a few showers. SW. 14C, 4C Tauranga: Fine spells. SW. 16C, 7C
