Latest news with #Metservice
Scoop
6 days ago
- Climate
- Scoop
Caution Over Worsening Weather Conditions
Otago Regional Council is issuing a weather caution around increasing rain, snow and the likelihood of rivers rising in some parts of Central and coastal Otago. From this evening and across tomorrow until at least 9pm tomorrow night, Metservice is expecting increasing amounts of rain, especially for coastal Otago. ORC's Manager Natural Hazards, Jean-Luc Payan, says 'While the weather front is still approaching, people need to consider that forecast snow, rain and rising river conditions can change very quickly during the next 24-36 hours with little warning,' Dr Payan says. (Period covering 9pm this evening through to 6pm Saturday) The Metservice forecast (at 16:30) now has a heavy rain warning in place for Dunedin and Clutha; between 60-90mm, and heavy rain watch for North Otago; between 20-40mm. There is also a heavy snow watch down to about 400 metres for Central Otago and inland Dunedin and Clutha. Saturday is expected to have some heavy falls, easing in the evening, with strong southwesterlies at times. Low lying areas which could potentially be affected include parts of the Tokomairaro floodplain including Milton, the Lower Taieri floodplain including Henley, the Lower Clutha floodplain and Middlemarch. Water of Leith and Lindsay Creek in Dunedin are not expected to overtop their banks. The Silver Stream near Mosgiel is expected to peak at about 90 cumecs early Saturday afternoon. No overtopping is expected. The Taieri River at Outram is expected to peak tomorrow evening at about 700 cumecs. Flooding of the unprotected areas downstream of Outram is likely. The Clutha River at Balclutha is expected to peak at around 1900 cumecs on Sunday morning. Flooding is likely in low lying areas adjacent to the river upstream of Balclutha, and unprotected areas downstream of the township on the Clutha delta. ORC staff will be monitoring streams and rivers 24/7 for the next 48-hours and staff and contractors will be in the field checking flood bank and drainage assets and pumping stations. Rural communities should consider stock currently in low lying areas and where feed is stored. Motorists are being asked to consider the necessity of their weekend travel plans, given the snow falls expected inland of Dunedin, and across Central Otago and parts of northern Southland. Further river and stream info, ORC's Environmental Data portal Before travelling, people are urged to check in with NZTA about road conditions:
Scoop
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
First Big Taste Of Winter Prompts Warning To Motorists
Potentially heavy snowfalls in the South Island have the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urging motorists to exercise caution, especially at higher elevations, and to avoid travel where possible in hazardous conditions. Metservice says heavy snow is possible in Canterbury from tomorrow above 300m, or possibly lower, through until Thursday, with potential for travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines. Those planning to travel through SH73 Porters Pass to Otira (Arthurs Pass), SH7 Lewis Pass, or SH8 Burkes Pass to Twizel, are encouraged to check before setting off and plan for any potential disruption. With large parts of the state highway network across the central and lower South Island being at higher elevations, NZTA System Manager Mark Pinner says motorists need to be prepared and to follow good winter driving habits. 'It's not just snow on the ground that is a potential hazard, it's heavy frosts and ice where the danger may not be as visible. People need to remember to adjust their speed to suit the conditions, to increase their following distances and use their headlights to be seen.' 'If you can avoid or delay travel on roads while there is elevated risk, that's sensible. Stay up to date on the latest reports about the State Highway network by visiting our Journey Planner,' Mr Pinner says. 'We'll be getting the best advice from the Metservice on how the weather is likely to unfold, and we'll be doing our best to keep the highways open and safe for motorists through this cold snap. Being prepared with warm clothing, snacks and water and other supplies in case of delays is always a smart move.' Heavy rain is forecast to affect Fiordland, and Buller, Grey and Westland Districts between Karamea and Harihari tomorrow, and drivers in those areas are also urged to take care on the roads, plan ahead and be prepared.
Otago Daily Times
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
It's not cold if you're quick
REPORT: LAINE PRIESTLEY / PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH Feargal O'Donoghue and Aoife MacSweeney brave the cold southern water at St Kilda Beach on King's Birthday yesterday. People wanting to enjoy a brisk dip at the beach should head out today as the temperature would take a significant plunge later this week, a Metservice meteorologist said. Dunedin could expect a fine day today with some passing cloud overhead, but the weather would take a turn tomorrow. "It will start to get wet from about late morning then it's expected to set in there," he said. The rain clouds would clear on Thursday to a partly cloudy day, before the rain returned for Friday and the weekend. "I must mention the drop in temperature — we're expecting temperature to drop in the South Island ... Dunedin, to be specific, will be dropping to about 7°[C] on Friday and Saturday."
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Wintry Conditions May Affect Southern Motorists
Southern motorists are being urged to take care as strong winds and snow are forecast to hit ahead of the long holiday weekend. Metservice is advising of a strong west to southwest air flow impacting Southern Fiordland, Southland, Clutha and Dunedin in the 24 hours from 2pm today. Southwest winds may approach gale force in exposed places and the strongest winds are expected tomorrow morning. The strong winds may cause damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, making driving difficult. Those driving high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and towing vehicles are urged to take particular care. Road snowfall warnings have been issued for Lindis Pass, Crown Range Road and Milford Road for today, with 10-15cm potentially settling on Milford Road above 800m. Motorists are urged to adjust their speeds and following distances to the conditions, and to plan ahead and be prepared for any delays. See our winter driving advice at: Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Drivers Urged To Drive To The Conditions With Bad Weather Forecast
Drivers travelling in the top of the South Island and lower North Island are urged to be ready for bad weather on the roads For the top of the South, the Metservice has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for Tasman northwest of Motueka, and a Strong Wind Watch for Marlborough. Both apply from midnight tonight (Sunday) until noon tomorrow (Monday). This weather will affect State Highway 60 in Tākaka/Golden Bay, State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim, State Highway 63 Wairau Valley/St Arnaud, and State Highway 1 Picton to Kaikōura. In the lower North Island, a Strong Wind Watch has been issued for Wellington, and a Heavy Rain Watch applies to the Tararua Ranges for tomorrow (Monday). The Metservice warns that winds may approach severe gales at times. People travelling elsewhere in the South Island also need to be aware that weather alerts are also in place for the West Coast and the Canterbury High Country. Drivers should check road and weather conditions before they travel. Drivers must be prepared for bad weather driving and take extra care on the roads. Road users must drive to the conditions and be prepared for hazards like slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding. The forecast strong winds also pose hazards to drivers of high-sided vehicles (truck and vans), as well as motorcyclists and towing vehicles. Caution is required, particularly on exposed routes like State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully. Road users should also be alert to the chance of windblown debris, fallen trees, and downed power lines. Because wet weather makes roads slippery, drivers should reduce their speed, increase following distances, avoid sudden braking, and take extra care when overtaking. They should also use headlights if visibility is poor to ensure they can be seen on the roads.
