{SWW Event 2017/13.5}
NOT TO BE BROADCAST AFTER 09:00pm Tuesday 04-Apr-2017
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING.
ISSUED BY MetService AT 11:44am 04-Apr-2017
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST IN: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier
Island, Waikato, Waitomo, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay Of Plenty,
Rotorua, Taranaki, Wanganui, Taumarunui, Taupo, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne,
Tararua, Wairarapa, Manawatu, Kapiti Horowhenua, Wellington,
Marlborough, Nelson, Buller
HEAVY RAIN FOR MANY PARTS OF THE NORTH ISLAND AND THE UPPER SOUTH
ISLAND, AND STRONG WINDS ACROSS CENTRAL NEW ZEALAND
This is an update to the Warning to include Taumarunui, Taupo,
Taihape and the Kaikoura Coast for heavy rain.
A deepening low over the Tasman Sea is moving southeast towards the
country. The low directs a moist northerly flow onto the North Island
and a slow moving trough is expected to lie over the central North
Island. The low is forecast to cross central New Zealand early
Thursday morning, and then both the low and trough move away to the
east and southeast. Heavy rain is already falling in many places,
especially in the vicinity of the trough, and is expected to continue
until the passage of the low and trough early Thursday morning. The
heaviest rain is expected from Northland to Whanganui, including
Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, the central plateau, Gisborne,
Hawkes Bay,Wairarapa and the Kaikoura Coast. Rainfall totals could
exceed 200mm in some areas. There is also potential for thunderstorms
and downpours with hourly rainfall rates of 25 to 35mm or possibly
more.
This is a significant amount of rain and people are advised to watch
out for rapidly rising rivers and streams, flooding and slips.
In addition, strong southeasterly winds are forecast about central
New Zealand. Horowhenua Kapiti Coast, Nelson and Buller are expected
to have the strongest winds, where gusts could reach 120 km/h for a
time on Wednesday. Winds of this strength could cause damage to
trees, powerlines and unsecured structures and make driving
hazardous.
FOR THE LATEST WEATHER AND FORECAST CHARTS PLEASE GO TO
http://metservice.com
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY MANAGERS AND TECHNICAL USERS FOLLOWS.
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HEAVY RAIN WARNING
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AREA/S AFFECTED: WAIKATO AND WAITOMO FORECAST:
Heavy rain is expected to continue until Wednesday evening. In the 36
hours from 11am today until 11pm Wednesday, 120-180mm of rain may
accumulate. Peak intensities 25 to 45mm per hour and thunderstorms
possible.