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Hurricane force winds are wreaking havoc in parts of the South Island, and Wellington is poised for major storm surges.
The wild weather this weekend is caused by a deep pressure system moving into the country from Fiordland. Hurricane force winds from northwest to southwest are expected for parts of southern and central New Zealand in particular over the course of the weekend.
High wind warnings are in place for Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Dunedin and Clutha on Saturday.
The forecast warns that potentially damaging strong gales could reach up to 130 km / h in southern Fiordland and the Southland coast, including Stewart Island.
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Monique Ford / Stuff
Strong gales are forecast in many parts of the country, including Wellington this weekend. (File photo)
Strong winds have also been implemented for central and northern Otago, over the southern lakes and the Canterbury High Country.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said “very strong southwesterly winds” had already been recorded in the south.
The NZTA has warned travelers about strong winds at SH87 Kyeburn to Outram, as well as at SH2 Remutaka Hill.
While some Southland residents were without power to their homes on Saturday due to falling trees on power lines. According to Powernet, there have been at least 9 different cuts affecting various highways.
The worst weather is expected to move into the country late Saturday and cross over to the North Island, bringing strong winds and scattered rain.
Wellingtons in particular are poised for a stormy weekend, with big waves on the cards. On Saturday afternoon there is a strong wind alert for the capital, as well as for the Wairarapa and Tararua areas.
Northwest winds can approach strong gales in exposed locations.
Makgabutlane said Lower Hutt and Kelburn had already seen winds of up to 76 km / h on Saturday. “We hope this goes up a bit,” he said.
Starting Sunday, there will be a strong surf warning for Wellington’s south coast. The forecaster warns that the storm surge is expected to rise rapidly to 4.5 meters.
GEORGE EMPSON / Things
In the photo: Strong wind whips the waves at Lake Tekapo in September. (File photo)
The period of greatest risk coincides with high tide, which is 11:44 for the Wellington area.
As it was Sunday, Makgabutlane said it was important that people outside the home were aware of the surge warning.
Makgabutlane said parts of the west coast of the North Island could possibly see thunderstorms in the early hours of Sunday morning.
In the main centers: Rains and possibly storms are forecast for Auckland, particularly in the west, which will clear in the afternoon. A high of 19 degrees Celsius and a low of 10 ° C are forecast.
In Wellington, scattered rains are expected throughout the day, with strong south winds subsiding at night. A high of 14C and a low of 9C are forecast.
Those in Christchurch can expect to see cloudy periods and some rain on Sunday, and things clear up in the early afternoon. Strong southwest winds will ease in the afternoon. A high of 15C and a low of 7C are forecast.
In Dunedin, there will be cloudy periods with a few showers throughout the day. Strong southwest winds are expected to ease overnight. A high of 13C and a low of 7C are forecast.
Southwest flow over the country should slow late on Sunday and a narrow ridge is expected over New Zealand on Monday.
