A southerly storm has left a trail of disruption across New Zealand, forcing a state of emergency in Kaikōura after two months’ worth of rain fell in just 48 hours. While floodwaters are now receding in the south, MetService has issued a series of heavy rain and strong wind warnings for the lower and central North Island as the weather system moves north.
Storm Recovery and State of Emergency in Kaikōura
Kaikōura remains under a state of emergency this morning following a deluge that damaged bridges and forced road closures. According to reports, the intense rainfall effectively cut off communities in the region. Building inspections are currently underway as floodwaters begin to recede. The recovery process for regional infrastructure is expected to be lengthy, with NZTA noting that the restoration of State Highway 1 between Waipara and Kaikōura, along with the Inland Kaikōura Road, will likely extend into the long weekend.
North Island Weather Warnings and Power Outages
MetService has warned of further heavy rain and gales as a southerly flow impacts the North Island. An orange heavy rain warning is in effect for the ranges of Hawke’s Bay north of Napier, with 100 to 130 mm of rain expected between 9am Thursday and 9am Friday. A heavy rain watch is also active for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti south of Gisborne City.
Strong winds are affecting multiple regions, with orange wind warnings in place for Taranaki and the Marlborough Sounds, where gusts could reach 120km/h. Powerco reported localized power cuts across the North Island, including 80 properties in Tinui, 115 in Fordell, and more than 125 across parts of Taranaki. Additional strong wind watches cover Wellington, the Kāpiti Coast, Taupō, and southern Taumarunui.
Transportation and Infrastructure Disruptions
Travel across the country remains significantly hampered. NZTA has closed the Waihenga Bridge on State Highway 53 near Martinborough due to rising water levels, stating it will remain closed until it is confirmed safe for traffic. In the South Island, State Highway 87 from Kyeburn to Middlemarch is closed due to snow, with crews working to clear the route.
For those traveling between Christchurch and the top of the South Island, a detour is available via State Highways 7, 65, 6, and 63. Meanwhile, Bluebridge has cancelled several ferry sailings due to high swells forecast from Thursday night. The ongoing instability has also resulted in fresh slips, including reports from a farm in Martinborough.
Outlook for Affected Regions
While weather conditions have eased in some parts of the country, authorities expect the impact of the storm to persist through Friday. Heavy rain in northern Hawke’s Bay may continue into Friday morning, and the closure of key highways suggests that transport delays could persist through the coming days. Roading crews continue to monitor snow-affected areas and flood-damaged infrastructure to determine when safe passage can be restored.
