- MetService has issued heavy wind warnings for the South Island and central regions.
- Two tornadoes caused damage in Levin and Waikawa Beach, with emergency crews assessing the impact.
- Winds up to 120km/h are forecast, with cooler temperatures and snow expected in some areas.
Winter is coming sooner than expected for parts of the country as the first snowfall of the year makes landfall following a day of wild weather.
In Horowhenua, clean-up efforts have begun after two tornadoes struck the region this morning.
While no injuries have been reported, council contractors are continuing to clear debris, unblock drains, and support affected households.
Mayor Bernie Wanden said: “Our thoughts are with those affected by today’s event. Please know that we’re here for you and doing everything we can to support our community through the response and recovery.”
Severe weather struck across the lower North Island, with 90km/h gusts recorded in the capital and two tornadoes leaving a trail of damage in Levin and Waikawa Beach.
MetService is warning the worst is yet to come, with 120km/h winds tipped to blow through western areas of the South Island and central areas in the North Island.
Up to 10 centimetres of snow fell at Cardrona Alpine Resort between Queenstown and Wanaka this afternoon.
“The first snowfall of the year is always exciting, as our team and guests get prepared for another epic winter,” says Cardrona and Treble Cone GM, Laura Hedley.
STORY CONTINUES AFTER LIVE BLOG
STORY CONTINUES
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said strong winds were forecast to move across Aotearoa today.
“We have a low-pressure system that is expected to cross the country and be sitting east of the country.”
A strong wind watch has been issued for Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds, where 90km/h gusts blustered through the region during rush hour.
MetService said the winds were peaking during the morning or beginning to ramp up to peak at midday.
MetService is also forecasting wave heights to reach 4.5m along the Kāpiti-Porirua Coast. The agency reported the waves would smash the coastline every 11 seconds at their peak.
Swells along the coast would peak at 3.5m this morning before easing in the afternoon.
Further south, gusts are blowing through Banks Peninsula at 85km/h, with MetService reporting the worst is yet to come.
“The real action begins when the winds turn southwest later this morning.”
A strong wind warning with gusts approaching 120km/h in exposed areas came into effect at 11am.
A strong wind watch is also in place for Wairarapa, along with Tararua District, Hawke’s Bay, Tasman northwest of Motueka and the Chatham Islands.
Makgabutlane said western areas of the country could also see thunderstorms.
According to MetService, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms for the west and southern parts of the South Island this morning with a possible 10-20mm/h of rain and hail.
There is also a moderate risk of thunderstorms on the west coast of the North Island and Wellington region with the possibility of 10-20mm an hour of rain.
Makgabutlane said the affected regions were forecast to see a swift drop in temperature.
The eastern South Island’s maximum temperatures were expected to fall from the mid to low 20s into the 10s, she said.
The top half of the North Island was not off the hook, as the low-pressure system would bring a front with it.
“That front is expected to bring some rainfall for the North Island, and some of that rainfall is expected to move across the upper part of the North Island as well.”
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