MetService issued a red severe thunderstorm warning for the Far North earlier today.
“These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain,” MetService warned.
This warning was lifted about 3.20pm.
A slip on the Mangamuka Gorge in the Far North has closed a section of SH1 just after 5.30pm.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said those who need to travel can detour via State Highway 10.
“Contractors had been monitoring movement on the hillside following recent heavy rain and the slip was expected. The road will remain closed overnight and an update provided tomorrow morning.”
This slip follows another, nearby, that closed the road on Sunday, which was cleared.
NZTA said, “As heavy rain continues to lash the region this evening, people are asked to delay unnecessary travel where possible.”
If you must travel, NZTA said motorists should “expect the unexpected and remain alert.”
NZTA said people need to be aware of branches and other debris under the surface of flood waters.
State Highway 1 was closed at 1.45pm due to flooding at Te Paki near Cape Rēinga NZTA said.
“There is no detour available,” it said.
Marlborough and Wellington are tipped to get 30 hours of high winds and heavy rain from midnight tonight.
Heavy swell warnings near the Cook Strait from Wairarapa to Wellington have already prompted ferry operator Bluebridge to prepare customers for potential delays or cancellations.
Meanwhile, heavy snow is expected in the Canterbury high country, where snowfall could hit warning criteria, from 6pm Wednesday to 10am Thursday.
MetService has issued road snowfall warnings for Porters Pass and Arthur’s Pass (State Highway 73) for Wednesday night.
Heavy rain warnings have also been issued for Banks Peninsula, North Canterbury to Hamner, and the Kaikoura coast and ranges, until 6am Friday. Mid-Canterbury also has a heavy rain watch. The West Coast will also fall under a strong wind watch until 3pm Thursday.
Flooding, slips possible, warns MetService
Northland is under a heavy rain and severe thunderstorm watch, with MetService warning it could cause surface flooding, slips, and fast-rising rivers.
Gisborne is expected to see as much as 25mm of rain an hour on Wednesday morning, with MetService saying the orange warning in place could be upgraded.
A strong wind watch for Marlborough and Wellington, along with a strong rain watch for the capital, had the potential to down trees and powerlines and lift unsecured property. MetService said motorcyclists and motorists, especially those in high-sided vehicles, should take extra care.
7m waves near Cook Strait
Ferry operator Bluebridge said conditions on Cook Strait were expected to deteriorate on Wednesday morning.
“If the large swells do eventuate, this may result in the delay or cancellation of services on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.”
MetService said waves could reach as high as 7m on Thursday afternoon.
Daily highs to drop to single digits
Daily high temperatures are expected to drop to single digits in southern parts of the country as the Canterbury high country sits under a heavy snow watch.
Queenstown was expected to dip from 17C today to 8C on Thursday. Christchurch will drop to 10C on Thursday.
Auckland, meanwhile, does not have a forecast high temperature below 18C for the next week.
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news and local stories from Tāmaki Makaurau. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
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