Severe weather sweeping across the lower North Island and upper South Island has left thousands without power and prompted water conservation notices for residents in Horowhenua. The storm, which caused disruption across the upper North Island yesterday, brought heavy rain and strong winds to a wide swathe of the country.
Widespread Disruptions
Widespread power outages are reported in the Nelson Tasman region and the Horowhenua District. Affected areas include the Tasman ranges, Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, Buller, Grey, Westland, Kaikoura Coast, Wellington, Manawatū, Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast, Tararua, Wairarapa, and the Richmond/Bryant ranges.
Civil Defence Manawatū-Whanganui has urged residents of Foxton and Shannon to “please conserve water.” The Horowhenua District Council specifically requested Foxton residents urgently conserve water while crews work to restore the backup generator at the Foxton Water Treatment Plant.
Power has been restored to Foxton and Moutoa, but restoration efforts continue in Shannon. Significant damage between Shannon and Tokomaru means power may not be fully restored overnight, and residents are advised to prepare accordingly. Access issues due to fallen trees are also delaying restoration work in the Ōtaki Gorge Road area.
Travel Impacts
State Highway 6 between Havelock and Hira, at the top of the South Island, was temporarily closed due to the severe weather but has since reopened. However, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) advises caution due to unpredictable road conditions and potential debris. Travel across the Cook Strait is also experiencing delays due to strong winds, and at least eight flights have been cancelled from Nelson Airport.
Palmerston North City Council has cancelled its New Year’s Eve event, including fireworks, due to the forecast for strong winds.
Current Weather Warnings and Watches
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Ranges of Tasman District west of Motueka – 24 hours from 6am Wednesday to 6am Thursday
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Manawatū, Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast – 5 hours from 9am to 2pm Tuesday
Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, and the districts of Buller, Grey and Westland north of Fox Glacier – 9 hours from 9am to 6pm Tuesday
Heavy Rain Watch
Tararua District and Wairarapa – 8 hours from 9am to 5pm Tuesday
Richmond and Bryant ranges, including the Rai Valley – 24 hours from 6am Wednesday to 6am Thursday
Kaikoura Coast – 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Tuesday
Strong Wind Watch
Wellington – 7 hours from 9am to 4pm Tuesday
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently affected by power outages?
Widespread power cuts are impacting the Nelson Tasman region and the Horowhenua District, including areas such as Foxton, Foxton Beach, Shannon, Tokomaru, and parts of Paraparaumu. Outages also affect the Springs Junction and Maruia areas.
What is being done to restore power?
Lines companies are working to restore power, with crews called back from holiday to address the scale of the damage. Restoration in some areas, like Shannon and Tokomaru, is expected to take longer due to significant damage.
Are there any road closures?
State Highway 6 between Havelock and Hira was closed but has since reopened. However, caution is advised due to potential debris. State Highway 27 experienced closures due to fallen trees and a truck rollover, but crews are working to clear the road.
As conditions remain volatile, how will you ensure you have access to essential information and resources in your community?
