Active front moves over NZ, orange rain warnings issued

Heavy rain will thrash parts of the Tasman region and the West Coast with MetService issuing orange warnings ahead of the deluge expected throughout much of today.

Authorities are warning of the possibility of slips, surface flooding and hazardous driving conditions throughout the lower North Island and upper South Island.

Warnings and watches have been issued for parts of Wellington, Whanganui, South Taranaki, the Tasman region, the West Coast and the eastern Bay of Plenty.

According to MetService meteorologists: "An active front, preceded by a strong and moist northerly flow, is expected to move over New Zealand from the west during Sunday and Monday, followed by a broad trough of low pressure.

"These weather systems are forecast to bring a brief period of heavy rain to northern and western regions, with the largest accumulations likely about the ranges in the north and west of the South Island, also about eastern Bay of Plenty.

"Gale force northerly winds are also likely about exposed parts of central New Zealand for a time."

New warnings were issued by MetService at about 9am this morning.

In Tasman, northwest of Motueka, possible thunderstorms are expected tonight with up to 170mm of rain.

An orange heavy rain warning remains in force for the region until 1am tomorrow.

"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous," the forecaster warned.

"Expect 120 to 170mm of rain about the ranges, and 30 to 60mm closer to the coast.

"Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h about the ranges from the afternoon and possible thunderstorms from the evening."

An orange heavy rain warning also applies to Richmond, Bryant Ranges, and the Rai Valley, between 12pm today and 3am tomorrow.

There was a further warning issued for Paparoa Range and the ranges of the Buller District, south of Seddonville and northwest of Reefton, in addition to the ranges of the Westland District.

An orange heavy rain warning has also been issued for the hills and ranges of the eastern Bay of Plenty, including the Raukumara Range.

A strong wind watch has been issued for Wellington between 3pm Sunday and 6am Monday, with overnight warnings for Whanganui and South Taranaki.

Road users should be ready for driving hazards on State Highway 6 and State Highway 60, according to an NZTA Waka Kotahi traffic bulletin.

"Drivers using these routes must be alert for slips, tree falls, and localised flooding."

Additionally, a strong wind watch for the capital has also led to new warnings for high-sided vehicles and other drivers.

"Drivers of trucks, vans, motorcycles, towing vehicles, and light vehicles must take extra care on exposed routes. This includes on State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully," an NZTA spokesperson said.

"With the bad weather forecast to continue until early tomorrow, it is essential people drive to the conditions and take extra care on the roads.

"This includes reducing speed, increasing following distances, and using headlights when visibility is poor.

"In bad weather, roads can be closed at short notice. Drivers should check road and weather conditions before travelling."

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