Covering period of Thursday 18 – Monday 22 January – MetService, New Zealand’s national weather warning agency, has issued the first Red Warning of 2024 for impactful heavy rain in the Westland District of the South Island. The warning is in effect from Thursday 9 am to Saturday 8 am, with the heaviest rainfall expected from late Friday morning.
The Westland ranges, encompassing popular tramping and camping spots, are anticipated to experience the highest accumulations, while the coast may witness lesser amounts.
Rainfall amounts range from 600 to 800 mm, with isolated areas potentially observing even higher amounts. This intense rainfall is predicted to result in rapidly rising river levels, leading to significant flooding. The threat of landslides and floodwaters poses a risk to camping areas and road travel, potentially rendering some roads impassable and isolating communities and those enjoying the outdoors – trampers, and campers.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane emphasizes the need for caution as this Red Warning bears similarities to the damaging flooding from March 2019 in which the Waiho bridge was washed away.
“Red Warnings are our highest warning level; they mean significant weather impacts are expected. People need to take immediate action to ensure they are safe, especially those camping near a waterway as there is a danger of flooding. For those planning a trip down south this weekend, be aware that this is a significant event and may affect travel plans. Stay up to date with the latest information on the MetService website and have alternative plans if needed.”
MetService Red Warnings are reserved for the most disruptive weather events and are only issued after consultation with the local Regional Council and Civil Defence.
The remainder of the western South Island, from Tasman to Fiordland, is under either a Watch or Orange Warning for Heavy Rain between Thursday and Saturday. The Canterbury High Country may experience increased winds from Friday to Saturday, with a Watch issued for Severe Gales.
In addition to the Westland Red Warning, MetService highlights potential weather disruptions for the upper and eastern North Island from Sunday into Monday.
A low-pressure system drifting down from the north brings the possibility of heavy rain to areas that experienced a wet start to last year. Notable regions include Northland, Auckland, Waikato, including the Coromandel Peninsula, the Bay of Plenty, and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne. This system may also be accompanied by severe gale winds.
Makgabutlane advises: ”Stay informed and prepared for changing weather conditions. Visit the MetService website for the latest updates or download the MetService NZ Weather app.”
For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with one of our meteorologists please call 04 4700 848 or email metcomms@metservice.com
Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:
This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!
Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:
When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!
Orange Warnings are about taking action:
When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.
Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action
Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.
Watches are about being alert:
When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
During a Watch: Stay alert
Outlooks are about looking ahead:
To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan
