Voting in the rain: Severe weather forecast for election day

October 13, 2023
File image of a storm.

Severe weather is forecast for large parts of the country tomorrow, as many Kiwis will be looking to cast their votes.

"If you want to avoid the rain and having to chase your EasyVote card down the street after a gust of wind caught it then perhaps get to a polling station today," MetService suggested on social media.

The worst of the weather is set to hit the South Island and lower North overnight, with "very strong winds" and heavy rain predicted.

It comes as a low currently over the Tasman Sea moves east across the South Island over the weekend.

Orange heavy rain warnings are in place for Westland south of Otira from 1am to 2pm tomorrow; and for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass from 2am to 2pm tomorrow.

"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly," MetService warned.

"Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous."

Orange strong wind warnings are in place for Marlborough from 3am to 5pm tomorrow; Wellington and Wairarapa south of Carterton from 8am to 6pm tomorrow; Canterbury High Country from 9pm tonight to 4pm tomorrow; and Canterbury Plains and Christchurch including Banks Peninsula from 6am to 4pm tomorrow.

"Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures," MetService said.

"Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles."

A number of severe weather watches are also in place.

Heavy rain watches are in place for Tasman west of Motueka, also Buller and Grey Districts from 4am to 3pm tomorrow; the headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers from 2am to noon tomorrow; and Fiordland from 1am to 10am tomorrow.

Strong wind watches are in place for Tararua District and Wairarapa between Woodville and Carterton from 10am to 8pm tomorrow; Westland south of Harihari and Fiordland north of Milford Sound from 1am to 11am tomorrow; and Queenstown Lakes, Central and North Otago from 11pm tonight to 1pm tomorrow.

Strong wind watches are also in place from Fiordland from Milford Sound southwards from 9am today to 3am tomorrow; and for Dunedin and Clutha from 11pm tonight to 3pm tomorrow.

"Big winds are headed for the South Island and lower North Island on Saturday," NIWA wrote on social media.

"Gusts reaching 100-120 km/h will likely lead to power cuts and the possibility for some damage, particularly about Canterbury.

"Sunday will also be very gusty across several regions."

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest warnings and watches on the MetService website.

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