Photo: 123RF
Heavy rain and strong winds swept across the South Island last night, with Metservice warning of possible thunderstorms and severe gales in some areas with wind gusts reaching up to 120km/h by midday.
Updated Warnings and Watches
— MetService (@MetService) January 27, 2025
Winds pick up over the South Island later today. Southland and Fiordland may see severe gales in exposed areas, with gusts of 120km/h possible
Western South Island sees the wettest of the weather, with Heavy Rain Watches in place️ pic.twitter.com/vg2HrpiwtI
An active front, preceded by a strong northerly flow, is forecast to move northwards over the South Island today.
MetService meteorologist John Law said the west saw the wettest of the weather, with Heavy Rain Watches continuing for the Westland District south of Whataroa until 12pm with possible thunderstorms.
"I think, it's going to be a wet story in that western coast."
There was a strong wind warning in place for Stewart Island and Southland overnight. Although that has now expired, a Strong Wind Watch remains across the Canterbury High Country until 1pm, with severe northwest gales reaching 130kmh possible in exposed places.
"But still a pretty windy story up through parts of particularly the Canterbury High Country, down towards parts of inland Otago and even here in Wellington as well."
It could be a rough journey for those using the ferry crossing today with winds reaching 100kmh across the Cook Strait.
But there is good news for the top of the motu, he said, as the front starts to weaken as it makes its way north later today.
"The winds should start to ease off once we head in towards the afternoon, the front doesn't make much headway towards the northern parts of the country."
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