Winter storm looms: Heavy snow and rain forecast across South Island
A severe weather system is expected to bring heavy rain and snow to New Zealand's South Island, prompting warnings from Niwa and MetService. Residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages, flooding, and travel disruptions.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events pose significant risks to public safety, infrastructure, and local economies.
A complex low-pressure system forming over the Tasman Sea is set to unleash a “river of moisture” over parts of the country.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) said the system, combined with “abundant moisture” and New Zealand’s mountainous terrain, is expected to produce significant rainfall, particularly in western parts of the South Island.
“Meanwhile, colder air near the surface may be just enough to support snowfall across inland Otago and parts of the Canterbury High Country,” Niwa said.
Up to half a metre of rain is expected to fall in two days on the West Coast while heavy snow is forecast to blanket parts of Canterbury and central Otago.
The Westland area is under an orange heavy rain warning for 48 hours from noon tomorrow, with 400-500mm of rain, surface flooding, slips and dangerous driving conditions expected.
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