A series of weather warnings were in place across the country, as a "complex trough" moved clear of the South Island and over the North Island today, bringing rain and thunderstorms.
MetService said the trough would move clear of the South Island and over the North Island today and early tomorrow.
A period of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms was expected in the eastern and northern areas, with gale-force northwesterlies in the central areas.
A red severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of the lower North Island but was later lifted.
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for Manawatu, Tararua, Kapiti-Horowhenua, Wairarapa, and Wellington.
"A very active line of thunderstorms lies over northern Wellington and southern Kapiti, extending eastwards into Wairarapa. This line is moving slowly northeastwards, accompanied by very heavy rain, possibly torrential in places."
Heavy rain warnings were issued in both the North and South Islands, with Taranaki, north of about Eltham, the King Country, Buller, and Grey District expected to see between 80 and 100mm of rain.
Heavy rain watches were issued for northern and eastern parts of Northland, north of Whangārei, Tasman District northwest of Motueka, the Tararua Range, the Kapiti Coast and parts of Wellington north of the Harbour, as well as the Richmond and Bryant Ranges.
A strong wind watch was issued for Wellington.
All weather warnings:
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Taranaki north of about Eltham, also the King Country – 19 hours from 10am Sat 18 Apr to 5am Sun 19 Apr.
Buller and Grey Districts – 5 hours from 6am to 11am Sat 18 Apr.
Heavy Rain Watch
Northern and eastern parts of Northland north of Whangārei – 8 hours from 9pm Sat 18 Apr to 5am Sun 19 Apr.
Tasman District northwest of Motueka – 9 hours from 6am to 3pm Sat 18 Apr.
The Tararua Range, also the Kāpiti Coast and parts of Wellington north of the Harbour – 20 hours from 6am Sat 18 Apr to 2am Sun 19 Apr.
Richmond and Bryant Ranges – 9 hours from 6am to 3pm Sat 18 Apr.
Strong Wind Watch
Wellington – 5 hours from 6am to 11am Sat 18 Apr.
SHARE ME