A “powerful weather system” moving up the country is causing major disruption in the south, with flights cancelled, power outages and West Coast residents being warned to “prepare”.

A fast-moving front is bringing heavy rain and gale force winds north today, with the majority of the South Island subject to weather warnings. Gusts of 90km/h have been recorded in Southland.
Several flights in the South Island have been cancelled or diverted due to the strong winds.

Air New Zealand said five flights in and out of Dunedin and two in and out of Invercargill have been cancelled due to the weather.

Fire crews in Dunedin are attending multiple callouts, including for a collapsed building.

Other incidents include fallen trees and power lines as well as flying sheds and lifting roofs.

About 900 customers are without power in Dunedin and Mosgiel.

MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley told the Herald the wind will begin to ease in Southland from noon.

The front is also bringing rain, with levels of 8mm per hour recorded in Fiordland this morning.

Pawley said it’s expected that rain will “ramp up a bit” in the region until the front moves farther north.

“The Westland ranges will be getting some heavy rain later today. But Grey, Buller and Tasman won’t be seeing that heavy rain until later tonight.”

MetService head of weather news Heather Keats said “heavy rain to the west, gale northwesters to the east and north” are expected today.

Gusts of 140km/h were recorded in isolated places like South West Cape, this morning, she said.

Keats told Herald NOW’s Ryan Bridge the front will move north over central New Zealand before weakening tomorrow.

A large truck trailer rolled during high winds leaving a main road blocked south of Tekapo this morning.

A truck trailer has rolled due to high winds on State Highway 8 south of Tekapo. Photo / NZTA

Fire and Emergency NZ confirmed two crews were at the incident on State Highway 8.

A respite day is forecast on Wednesday before another, more impactful weather system arrives on late Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

“It’s not just active fronts and gale northwesters, but we’ve also got cold southwesters with a low at the very bottom of the country,” Keats said.

“More widespread, more heavy” rain will spread up the North Island before it weakens on Friday, she said.

Damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures is expected with the high winds this week.

“Driving will be difficult, especially for those high-sided vehicles.”

High river levels, slips and surface flooding are all predicted as a result of the rain, said Keats.

“This will be quite a week, with warnings for almost the entire South Island today, and there will be more.”

Weather watches have the potential to be upgraded to warnings.

The heavy rain will not linger long as the front moves quickly, she said.

MetService is monitoring the weather closely and is taking it “very seriously”, she said.

Residents of the West Coast are being urged to clear their drains and gutters to prepare for the incoming heavy rain this week.

West Coast Emergency Management (WCEM) is also asking residents of affected areas to avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Manager Claire Brown said that early preparation can make a significant difference during severe weather events.

“We’re asking everyone across the West Coast to use today to get ready, secure your property, prepare for possible power outages, and avoid unnecessary travel.

“People camping or travelling across the region, should take extra care. This is a powerful weather system, and being caught out in an exposed area overnight could be dangerous.”

Preparation methods WCEM recommended included securing outdoor furniture and items, charging phones and battery packs, preparing grab bags, and checking in on neighbours.

Travellers are being asked by WCEM to choose safe sheltered locations before nightfall, postpone travel across alpine routes if possible and avoid parking near rivers, beaches or under trees.

It is also suggested that travellers check for the latest warnings and road updates via MetService and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Watches and Warnings

Orange strong wind warnings are in place for Fiordland, Southland and Stewart Island until noon.

The same warning is in effect for Otago until 2pm and until 11pm in the Canterbury High Country and plains near the foothills.

The Southern Lakes, Mackenzie Basin and areas of the Canterbury High Country are under a heavy rain watch until 3am tomorrow.

A strong wind warning for Marlborough takes effect at 2pm and lasts until 6pm on Tuesday.

Weather watches and warnings in place across the country. Photo / MetService

Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for much of the West Coast for today into tomorrow.

Wellington, Wairarapa and the Tararua District will be under a strong wind warning from 10pm tonight until 6pm tomorrow

The Tararua Range is expected to get 100 to 130mm of rain from 11pm tonight until 5pm tomorrow as it will be under orange heavy rain warning.

Hawke’s Bay is under an orange strong wind warning tomorrow from 10am-8pm.

A strong wind watch has been issued for Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains from 7am-5pm tomorrow, with a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.

Horowhenua and Kāpiti Coast will be under a strong wind watch also on Tuesday, from 2am-5pm.