A series of strong wind and heavy rain warnings are in place for lower and central parts of the North Island after a deluge caused flooding in the south this week.
The southerly storm dropped two months' worth of rain on Kaikōura in just 48 hours, cutting off communities as floods damaged bridges and closed roads.
MetService said a southerly flow covers the country, with gales in some central areas and periods of heavy rain forecast in the east. It also said heavy snow was possible at higher levels in South Canterbury.
An orange heavy rain warning was issued for the eastern ranges of Horowhenua, Manawatū, and Taihape, as well as the ranges of the Tararua District and Hawke's Bay. The warning was set to last for 28 hours from 8pm Wednesday to midnight Thursday.
Locals could expect 100 to 150 mm of rain, mainly from the Ruahine Range northwards. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h were expected today around the Hawke's Bay ranges.
MetService said heavy rain in northern Hawke's Bay could continue into Friday morning.
A heavy rain watch was issued for Marlborough and Canterbury between Ward and Hanmer and southeast of the Awatere Valley, including the Kaikoura ranges
Meanwhile, gusts of up to 120km/h were forecast in some areas, with orange strong wind warnings issued for Taranaki, Marlborough Sounds, Wellington, and the Kapiti Coast. All warnings were due to last for 19 hours from 8pm Wednesday to 3pm Thursday.
According to Powerco, several areas in the North Island affected by weather experienced power cuts, with outages reported at 80 properties in Tinui, 115 properties in Fordell, and over 125 across parts of Taranaki.
Several sailings of Bluebridge ferries were cancelled for passengers due to high swells forecast from tonight.
Strong wind watches were issued for Taupō south of the Lake, southern Taumarunui, and Coastal areas of Hawke's Bay.
In the South Island, road snowfall warnings were in place for Lewis Pass (SH7) and Porters Pass (SH73).
Highways remain closed
NZTA said while the weather has eased in many places, some "significant" state highways remain closed this morning.
State Highway 1 from Waipara to Kaikōura in Canterbury is closed due to flooding and road damage. Inland Route 70/Inland Kaikōura Road also remains closed.
The restoration of this section of road is expected to take longer due to flood damage.
A detour is available via State Highways 7, 65, 6 and 63 for those travelling between Christchurch and the top of the South Island.
Rising water levels overnight closed the Waihenga Bridge on State Highway 53 near Martinborough.
"It will remain closed to all traffic until flood levels recede and the bridge is safe to reopen," NZTA said.
Snow and ice have kept State Highway 8 from Fairlie to Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin closed.
State Highway 87 from Kyeburn to Middlemarch and State Highway 85 from Kyeburn to Morrisons in Otago are closed because of snow.
"Roading crews will be working to reopen the snow-affected highways today," NZTA said.
Full list of weather warnings and watches:
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Eastern ranges of Horowhenua, Manawatū, and Taihape, also the ranges of the Tararua District and Hawke's Bay – 28 hours from 8pm Wednesday to midnight Thursday.
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Taranaki – 19 hours from 8pm Wednesday to 3pm Thursday.
Marlborough Sounds – 19 hours from 8pm Wednesday to 3pm Thursday.
Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast – 19 hours from 8pm Wednesday to 3pm Thursday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Marlborough and Canterbury between Ward and Hanmer and southeast of the Awatere Valley, including the Kaikōura ranges – 22 hours from 8pm Wednesday to 6pm Thursday.
Strong Wind Watch
Taupō south of the lake, and southern Taumarunui – 12 hours from 6am to 6pm Thursday.
Coastal areas of Hawke's Bay – 12 hours from 3am to 3pm Thursday.
Road Snowfall Warnings
Lewis Pass (SH7) – 12 hours from 11pm Wednesday to 11am Thursday.
Porters Pass (SH73) – 12 hours from 9pm Wednesday to 9am Thursday.
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