MetService Meteorologist Andrew James says, “We’re just shy of 6 months into 2023 and already several of our weather stations have recorded their annual average rainfall. Auckland Airport ticked over 1193mm this morning, 3mm beyond their annual norm, and Whenuapai has had 1270mm against an annual average of 1231mm. “
Napier Airport has seen 930mm so far in 2023, considerably more than the 789mm they’d see in a typical year. Hawke’s Bay remains under an Orange Rain Warning until 9pm Saturday.
These sodden soils in the northeast North Island mean the current rain is particularly problematic. This event has already seen road closures, landslips, rivers rising to warning level and surface flood disrupting travel through Tairāwhiti/Gisborne. Evacuations have occurred already near rivers which are dangerously high. MetService is monitoring the situation overnight and through the weekend, keeping the regional council and public informed of any updates.
Hawkes Bay’s soil is equally saturated and under an Orange warning. The prolonged heavy rain is likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.
Along with the Tairawhiti Red Warning, Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are in place for Southern Hawkes Bay, Southern Marlborough, and the ranges of Tasman, with Yellow Watches for Coromandel and the remainder of Hawkes Bay.
Stay up to date with information from your local Civil Defence along with MetService watches and warnings. Road closure information can be found at journeys.nzta.govt.nz however, people have been advised to avoid travel, if possible, in the area.
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
