Severe weather is impacting much of New Zealand today, with strong winds and heavy rain causing disruptions across the North and South Islands. Fire and Emergency (FENZ) crews have responded to over 100 weather-related incidents around Auckland alone.
Widespread Disruptions
The most significant impacts have been felt in Auckland, where strong winds led to the closure of all lanes on the Harbour Bridge around 3pm, though it has since reopened with a continued urging for motorists to drive with care. Ferry services are also experiencing cancellations, including all trips on the Pine Harbour service for the remainder of the day, and disruptions to services at Northcote Point and Waiheke Island. A yachtie ended up in the water north of Auckland while attempting to secure their mooring, but was safely brought ashore and checked by ambulance crews.
Further west, a district-wide power outage is affecting nearly 5000 customers in the Buller region of the West Coast, due to a fault at the Robertson Substation in Westport. Parts of Northland have also experienced power cuts. South of Auckland, Counties Energy is reporting outages in Papakura.
Heavy Rain and Warnings
Heavy rain warnings are currently in place for Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, and the Coromandel Peninsula, where up to 130 millimeters of rain is possible. Severe gale warnings have been issued for Manawatu, Horowhenua, and Kapiti Coast, with a heavy rain watch in effect for the Tararua district and Wairarapa. Strong wind watches are also in place for parts of the South Island, extending from the Marlborough Sounds to Westland.
Community Events Impacted
The adverse weather has also led to the cancellation of all five community New Year’s Eve events planned by the Tauranga City Council. While fireworks displays are still hoped to proceed, the council cited concerns about conditions during setup and continuing into Wednesday.
Meteorologist Katie Lyons noted that conditions in the Coromandel have deteriorated, with approximately 30mm of rain already falling in the hills. She also highlighted the unusual southeasterly wind direction impacting the Kāpiti Coast and Manawatū, which could bring unexpectedly strong gusts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently under a heavy rain warning?
Heavy rain warnings are in place for Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and the Coromandel Peninsula.
What is the status of ferry services in Auckland?
A number of ferry sailings have been cancelled, including all trips on the Pine Harbour service for the rest of the day. Sailings will not stop at Northcote Point until further notice and two sailings to Waiheke Island have been cancelled. All Gulf Harbour trips for the rest of today and tomorrow have been cancelled.
How many customers are affected by the power outage on the West Coast?
Close to 5000 customers located on the north of the West Coast, from Meybille Bay to Karamea, are without power due to a fault at the Robertson Substation in Westport.
As the weather system moves across the country, it remains to be seen whether conditions will improve or worsen in the coming days. Will residents heed warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of unsettled weather?
