Unsettled weather is expected to continue until at least Monday, as a wet, windy, and wintry weekend lies ahead for the lower North Island and most of the South Island.
A composite satellite image of stormy weather and lightning strikes sweeping much of Aotearoa, on Saturday morning. Photo: Supplied/ MetService - JMA
After a stormy Friday night for much of the country, by Saturday morning MetService had 30 different orange level weather warnings in place, and another three weather watches.
With stormy weather in many parts of the country, drivers also faced difficult conditions on the roads in many parts of the country.
Snowfall warnings are in place for some South Island roads, and strong winds on both the Remutaka Hill Road in the Wellington region, and the Lewis Pass in inland Canterbury, mean Waka Kotahi advised motorists to take care - especially those in high-sided vehicles or on motorcycles.
Thunder and wild winds
Thunder and wild winds clapped the Wellington region all night, and a thunderstorm warning was in place until Saturday afternoon for Kāpiti-Horowhenua, Manawatū, Whanganui, Taranaki, Taumarunui and Waikato, including Hamilton.
Strong winds were still forecast to whistle through Wairarapa, Tararua, the Hawke's Bay ranges and Taihape until 8pm Saturday.
Further south a thunderstorm warning was issued until late Saturday afternoon for Nelson, Buller, Westland and Canterbury High Country, including warnings of heavy rain, heavy snow in high places, hail, and gusts of up to 110kmh, with the possibility of tornadoes.
While on Saturday evening severe gales could buffet Marlborough, Canterbury High Country, Central Otago, and the Queenstown Lakes District.
You can see the next weather system barreling into the South Island as a koru of cloud on this satellite loop. Keep up with the latest forecast at https://t.co/oKYtrol7HA pic.twitter.com/8cUp5lV5FH
— MetService (@MetService) June 10, 2022
On Sunday, heavy rain could approach warning levels in the Bay of Plenty. And Sunday evening and Monday morning were expected to continue to be wild, with winds approaching severe gales in Kāpiti, Wairarapa, Taranaki, Taihape, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.
Snow to sea level in places, heavy snow warnings
Two major South Island roads closed following heavy snowfall overnight.
State Highway 73 between Springfield and Arthur's Pass Village was closed both ways, with an update expected later Saturday morning. And in Fiordland, Milford Road closed, with an update expected Sunday morning.
Waka Kotahi warned drivers to use chains at Burke's Pass, between Lake Tekapo and Fairlie, and Lindis Pass between Tarras and Omarama - which had reopened after being closed Friday night.
And more roads could close as snowfall warnings continued throughout the central and lower South Island.
UPDATE 9:15AM, SAT 11 JUN
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Otago & Southland (@WakaKotahiOS) June 10, 2022
Due to snow, ice and grit, chains are now essential on SH8 Tarras to Omarama (Lindis Pass). Please allow extra time on your journey and be prepared for unexpected hazards. ^AP pic.twitter.com/PC2rjeAd9C
Snowfall warnings were in place for Arthur's Pass, Lewis Pass, Porters Pass, Haast Pass and Lindis Pass, the Milford Road and the Dunedin to Waitati section of State Highway 1 until Saturday afternoon and evening.
Snow could fall to sea level in many parts of the far south, with heavy snow expected down to 400m in Clutha, Southland, Fiordland and parts of Central Otago, and down to 700m in Canterbury High Country.
