Covering period of Monday 16th – Tuesday 17th of February
- Heavy Rain Warnings and Strong Wind Warnings continue for the central and southern North Island and eastern South Island
- Heavy Swell Warnings in force for the southeastern coasts of the North Island.
A deluge of rain and relentless winds continue to impact a vast area across the central and eastern North Island and northeastern South Island today (Monday), with large waves affecting the southern and eastern coasts of the North Island. Eyes gradually turn towards the South Island through the day as the moisture-rich low tracks southwards. Heavy Rain is expected to continue through into Tuesday for the eastern South Island.
What happened overnight Sunday (15th of Feb) into Monday (16th of Feb)?
The tables below show some rainfall accumulations and gust speeds from last night.
– Gisborne, Taupō, Waiouru, Wellington, Whanganui and Kaikōura have already exceeded the amount of rainfall they would typically expect to receive in February.
– Baring Head Wave Buoy in Wellington Harbour recorded a Significant Wave Height of 7.54 metres at 11:06 pm (Sun). Note, Significant Wave Height is the average height of the highest one-third of waves.
– Mt Kaukau and Wellington Airport measured their strongest winds since June 2013 when they reached 202 km/h and 143 km/h respectively.
– The Kelburn weather station recorded its strongest winds from a southerly direction since June 2013 when a southerly wind of 141 km/h was measured.
What is expected over the next 24 hours?
Heavy Rain and Strong Winds are expected to ease in the central North Island through this (Monday) afternoon and the lower North Island and northeastern South Island this evening. The focus of Heavy Rain moves southwards and is forecast to continue to affect the Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula, as well as Dunedin into Tuesday and Warnings and Watches are place.
MetService meteorologist Alanna Burrows says, ‘Please stay alert and keep up to date with the latest warnings in your area at metservice.com/warnings as well as advice from the Civil Defence and other local agencies.’
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.
