Severe Weather Warnings and Watches

Issued by MetService at 9:51am Sunday 27 Sep 2026

Severe gales and heavy rain for central New Zealand and heavy snow expected for Canterbury

A front moves northwards over New Zealand today, bringing a period of heavy rain and west to northwest gales to parts of central New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. Heavy snow continues to affect inland parts of Canterbury.

People are advised to keep up with the latest forecasts.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Area: The Tararua Range

Period: 5hrs from 9:00am Sunday 27 Sep 2026 to 2:00pm Sunday 27 Sep 2026

Forecast: Expect a further 40 to 60 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 15 to 20 mm/h expected from late this morning.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Heavy Snow Warning - Orange

Area: Canterbury High Country and Plains near the foothills, south of Arthur's Pass

Period: 4hrs from 9:00am Sunday 27 Sep 2026 to 1:00pm Sunday 27 Sep 2026

Forecast: Expect a further 5 to 10 cm of snow to settle above 400 metres on top of what has already fallen, with lesser amounts down to about 200 metres and easing from the south.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines possible. Cold conditions may cause stress for livestock.

Action: Prepare for snow, cold temperatures, and possible power outages. If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items.

Strong Wind Warning - Orange

Area: Wairarapa, the Tararua District, and Hawke's Bay south of Hastings

Period: 6hrs from 9:00am Sunday 27 Sep 2026 to 3:00pm Sunday 27 Sep 2026

Forecast: Severe gale west to northwest winds gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.
Winds easing from the south this afternoon.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.

Heavy Snow Watch - Yellow

Area: Canterbury High Country and the Plains near the foothills about and north of Arthurs Pass

Period: 4hrs from 10:00am Sunday 27 Sep 2026 to 2:00pm Sunday 27 Sep 2026

Forecast: Rain is expected to turn to snow above 200 metres. Heavy snowfall is possible above 400 metres, where amounts may approach warning criteria.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Strong Wind Watch - Yellow

Area: The Chatham Islands

Period: 7hrs from 5:00pm Sunday 27 Sep 2026 to 12:00am Monday 28 Sep 2026

Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places from late afternoon, then changing to gale southwesterly late evening, possibly severe in exposed places.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Hawke's Bay about and north of Hastings

Period: 7hrs from 10:00am Sunday 27 Sep 2026 to 5:00pm Sunday 27 Sep 2026

Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

An update for severe weather will be issued by: 9:00pm Sunday 27 Sep 2026

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Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.

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