Metservice has extended its severe weather warning for the Coromandel peninsula to midnight, and is warning of severe thunderstorms over parts of the South Island.
The clean-up continues 10km north of coromandel. Photo: Georgia Smyth
Severe Thunderstorms (Red), are sprouting up around the southeast of the South Island, within the broader Watch area (yellow).
— MetService (@MetService) January 6, 2023
Details: https://t.co/GeH6tLulff pic.twitter.com/MsQfZRnh5r
The forecaster said an additional 50 to 90mm of rain was expected to accumulate on top of what had already fallen, with the largest amounts likely about the ranges.
The Coromandel peninsula has had nearly 400mm of rain since Wednesday, sending holidaymakers fleeing, slips falling and closing roads.
Coromandel Civil Defence controller Garry Towler said State Highway 25 had reopened overnight after closures left some communities isolated yesterday.
MetService said storms passing over much of the South Island this afternoon were bringing torrential rain and lightning.
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Christchurch and the Selwyn district, along with a number of other places in Canterbury, Otago and Southland.
While the warning for Dunedin has been lifted, there are others in force for Gore, Clutha, Southland, Waitaki, Waimate, Ashburton, Timaru and the Mackenzie district.
Right on cue, scattered thunderstorms have started developing about parts of the South Island, and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued. Take care out there. https://t.co/GZIq9J48pw For Severe Thunderstorm Watch details pic.twitter.com/W52nP23mM8
— MetService (@MetService) January 6, 2023
It said the rain could cause flash flooding, while hail could damage crops, orchards and vines.
Waka Kotahi is advising motorists to take extra care driving in these conditions.
