Severe Weather Advisory: Northern North Island Braces for Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain, and Strong Winds
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The northern regions of the North Island are bracing for a barrage of severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, prompting warnings and advisories from meteorological authorities. With the Bay of Plenty expected to bear the brunt of the deluge, an orange warning has been issued for anticipated rainfall exceeding 100mm, posing potential risks of flooding and hazardous road conditions.
In Westland, the Waiho River and Hokitika River have surpassed alert thresholds, signaling heightened concerns for riverine flooding. Although rain warnings have been lifted, the region remains vigilant amidst elevated river levels and ongoing monitoring.
The township of Franz Josef has been particularly hard-hit by relentless rainfall, with precipitation exceeding 400mm over a span of 60 hours, necessitating a boil water notice to safeguard public health.
While the worst of the inclement weather is forecasted to sweep past Auckland by mid-afternoon, lingering thunderstorm warnings underscore the persistent threat of adverse conditions. According to MetService, rainfall in Auckland Central is anticipated to taper off into scattered showers by late afternoon, with intervals of clear skies gradually emerging.
Despite the anticipated respite, strong northeasterly winds, reaching gusts of up to 90 km/h, are expected to gradually abate, shifting to lighter westerly breezes as the day progresses. Nevertheless, Auckland Central remains under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 pm tonight, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for any sudden weather developments.
Earlier concerns raised by emergency services regarding king tides and coastal inundation along Auckland’s shores highlight the multifaceted risks posed by the ongoing stormy conditions. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the community is urged to exercise caution and heed safety advisories to mitigate potential hazards associated with the inclement weather.
As New Zealand’s meteorological agencies remain vigilant in monitoring weather patterns and issuing timely alerts, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and take proactive measures to ensure their safety and well-being amidst the dynamic and unpredictable nature of severe weather events.
TIN Bureau