11 Apr 2018

Storm aftermath: What you need to know

3:05 pm on 11 April 2018

More than 90,000 Auckland properties are still without power, and Vector is urging people to make plans in case they have no power tonight.

For the latest, follow our live blog and check full coverage of the autumn storm.

Send any weather photos or videos you want to share to: iwitness@radionz.co.nz

Auckland

  • More than 90,000 homes and businesses are without power in Auckland overnight as 140km/h winds tore through the city. MetService recorded a gust at 213km/h
  • Power company Vector said it may be several days before power is restored
  • At least 20 schools and early childhood centres in Auckland are closed today
  • Roads are closed and others partially blocked: check theAuckland Council website for the latest.
  • Some traffic lights, motorway signs and traffic cameras are not working because of power outages.
  • Train delays and cancellations on the western and southern lines are expected to continue during the day.
  • Ferry and bus services are operating but there may be delays
  • Flights have resumed at Auckland Airport, which closed its runway last night because of debris
  • Seven vessels have come ashore around the region
  • MetService is forecasting strong winds in Auckland on Thursday night and early Friday.

Northland, Coromandel, Waikato

  • A water treatment plant in Tairua, Coromandel, is out of action because of a power cut - residents are asked to conserve water until power is restored.
  • State Highway 26 between Paeroa and Thames is closed - though it's because of a major fire at the Kopu Mill, not the weather.
  • MetService is forecasting strong winds in Northland, Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato on Thursday night and early Friday

Taranaki

  • About 2100 properties without power in Taranaki, including at Okato, Rahotū and Ōpunake and Stratford.
  • Workers are assessing roads and moving fallen trees after a tornado ripped through Rahotū, northwest of Ōpunake, yesterday. At least half a dozen houses lost their roofs. More than 13,000 lightning strikes hit the region.
  • MetService is warning of heavy rain in Eastern Taranaki today

Central North Island, Manawatū / Whanganui, Hawke's Bay, Wellington

  • Yesterday's tornado at National Park Village downed trees and power lines and ripped roofs of houses. A tornado was also spotted in Tongariro
  • MetService is warning of heavy rain in Whanganui hill country and parts of Hawke's Bay today, and snow on the Desert Road and Napier-Taupo Road.
  • Wellington Harbour ferry services from Queens Wharf to Days Bay are cancelled.

South Island

  • All South Island roads are open but drivers are being urged to take care.
  • Snow is forecast to fall on the Lewis Pass (SH7), Porters Pass (SH73) and Milford Road (SH94).

Today's weather

Severe weather warnings remain in force with heavy rain and severe gales for many parts of the North Island. For the latest, check MetService warnings.

Niwa forecaster Chris Brandolino said there would be rain and possibly some hail for the upper North Island.

"We'll see the winds still brisk and strong. Cold for everyone, I mean we'll be lucky to hit the mid tens in Auckland today.

"People down south are probably thinking they'd love to see 14 or 15 as they won't escape the single digits down across the South Island."

He said there would be a break in the wind tomorrow then another system would approach from the west again.

"Winds not nearly as strong, but the winds will become gusty again, we'll see some showers ... I do see much warmer weather coming as Sunday rolls around and for the start of the school holidays."

Meanwhile, temperatures are forecast to plummet in the South Island tonight, making wet roads icy and bringing frost to the mainland for the first time this year.

Snow is coating mountain passes including Arthur's Pass where chains are required and towing vehicles are being turned back.

Snow and ice was an issue for inland Otago and the road to Milford Sound while in South Westland, strong winds were continuing to cause problems for high sided vehicles.

Christchurch is expected to dip to 1°C and Reefton is expected to dip to -1°C.

Metservice forecaster Tom Adams said motorists would need to watch for morning ice. Growers could also be affected.

"Agriculture, horticulture need to be aware it's going to be a cold night tonight and take relevant precautions. Tomorrow night looks a little bit warmer as a fast moving front crosses over and then getting cold again on Friday, potentially down to -2°C in Queenstown."

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