Much of the country is being hit with thunderstorms and hail on Monday as two tornadoes wreaked havoc on Waikanae.
The wild weather is expected to continue for most of the day with MetService issuing 33 weather warnings and watches across the country.
MetService has issued 20 warnings and watches for the South Island and 13 in the North Island.
The New Zealand Transport Agency warns it may have to close the Auckland Harbour Bridge with the forecast for wind gusts between 80-100 kilometres per hour until 8pm.
If you have any videos or photos of the wild weather, please send them to news@newshub.co.nz
What you need to know:
- NZTA warns Auckland Harbour Bridge may close because of strong winds.
- MetService issues 33 warnings and watches across the country - 20 across the South Island and 13 on the North Island.
- MetService said 114,765 lightning strikes hit NZ in less than a week.
These live updates have finished.
5:20pm - All ferry services to and from Te Onewa Northcote Point have been cancelled until further notice, due to the weather.
4:45pm - The Auckland Harbour Bridge is open, although there are speed restrictions in place.
Auckland Transport said to expect delays to all bus services.
4:20pm - More wind, snow, rain, and thunderstorms are on the way - but there will be an ease in the weather soon, MetService said.
3:55pm - Less than 10 minutes later, Waka Kotahi NZTA has now reopened the Harbour Bridge.
Speed restrictions and lane reductions are in place and drivers are asked to avoid travel during this afternoon's peak if they can.
3:45pm - The Auckland Harbour Bridge has temporarily closed again following strong wind gusts over 100km/h, Waka Kotahi NZTA said.
3:15pm - There is a severe thunderstorm watch in place for Waikato, Waitomo, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Tararua, Kapiti-Horowhenua, Wairarapa, and Wellington.
MetService said this will last seven hours from 3pm to 10pm on Monday.
3pm - State Highway 58 Paremata Road in Porirua City will be closed overnight on Monday and Tuesday for storm recovery works, Waka Kotahi NZTA said.
The road will be closed between 9pm and 4:30am each night to enable crews to safely clear debris, slips, and drains posing a risk to road users.
On Monday night, the road will be closed between Postgate Drive and James Cook Drive, with a detour in place via Whitby.
On Tuesday night, the road will be closed between Postgate Drive and the Paremata roundabout, with the detour via Postgate Drive, Omapere Street, Warspite Avenue, and Whitford Brown Avenue.
People are asked to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journeys.
2:40pm - State Highway 2 over the Remutaka Hill will be closed overnight on Tuesday June 14 and Wednesday June 15 for emergency works, Waka Kotahi NZTA said.
The road will be closed in both directions between 9pm and 4am each night to undertake storm recovery work, following recent stormy weather.
These emergency closures will allow crews to safely clear debris, slips, and drains posing a risk to road users.
Motorists are advised to plan their travel for outside the closure hours. An escorted vehicle service will be available for light vehicles and trucks that may need to cross the Remutaka Hill during the closure. The following four crossings will be available each night. There is no need to book.
- 10:30pm Hutt to Featherston
- 11:30pm Featherston to Hutt
- 12:30am Hutt to Featherston
- 1:30am Featherston to Hutt.
2:30pm - Some Auckland ferry services have been cancelled.
Services affected are:
- Pine Harbour to AKL, 2:20pm, 3:40pm
- AKL to Pine Harbour, 3:00pm, 4:20pm.
2:15pm - The Buller District Council said it is preparing for more wild weather coming its way by standing up the emergency operations centre (EOC) alongside local and national agencies.
A localised area in Granity was affected by strong sea surges on Monday morning, causing State Highway 67 to close temporarily due to debris on the road and moderate flooding to some coastal houses. One person decided to evacuate.
"The EOC is staffed and more staff are coming from outside the district," Mayor of Buller Jamie Cleine said.
Current forecasting and modelling shows it could be a similar night to last night with rain, wind and high sea swells.
"We have mobilised resources, activated our local partner agencies, and preparations to support residents in northern Buller are in full swing," Cleine said.
Residents in northern Buller who's properties have been impacted by Monday morning's sea surges are strongly encouraged to self-evacuate to friends or families on higher ground.
"We are working with our community coordinators on assessing the situation, and preparing our communities for further weather coming in tonight," Cleine said.
People are advised to take bedding, water, food, medication, warm clothes, and to remember their pets when self-evacuating to friends and families.
"We know this is a very stressful time for Buller residents who have been through several severe flooding events in the last 12 months."
2:05pm - After only 10 minutes, the Harbour Bridge has reopened again.
"Continue to expect delays throughout the day today (Mon 13 Jun) as further closures and restrictions may be required due to forecast strong wind gusts," Waka Kotahi NZTA said.
1:55pm - The Harbour Bridge has closed yet again, Waka Kotahi said.
"We're monitoring the situation & will reopen lanes as soon as it is safe to do so. Avoid the area or use the WRR via SH16, SH18, SH20," they said.
1:50pm - There are many power outages near the Auckland-Waikato regional border, according to Counties Energy.
1:45pm - The Harbour Bridge is now fully open, with speed restrictions in place, Auckland Transport said.
1:40pm - June this year has recorded the second-highest monthly amount of lightning strikes since observations began in 2000, MetService said.
There's been a massive 114,765 lightning strikes recorded over and near Aotearoa in the last week (from midnight June 6 to 12pm June 13).
"This is an immense number - and we're not even halfway through the month and June this year has recorded the second-highest monthly amount of lightning strikes since observations began in 2000," MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said.
"There are three main factors: an atmosphere prone to having low pressure, southwesterly polar outbreaks and warmer-than-normal waters for most of the country."
The reason behind the stormy weather is the atmosphere and southwesterly polar-outbreaks.
"When we talk about polar-outbreaks, we refer to a weather system where cold air moves north, over warmer water. This is important as it creates instability, which is required for thunderstorms to develop," McInnes said.
There's also been a marine heatwave, which has intensified how active this weather has been, making the skies very electric.
"As mentioned with the polar outbreaks, colder air moving over warmer ocean is important. Throw in water that's warmer than usual into the mix, and you've added a whole lot more energy into the system; it's like doubling the baking powder in your muffins," McInnes said.
There are a number of severe watches and warnings in place by MetService, however, there is a settling trend. Wet and cloudy weather lingers around in western areas, but elsewhere expect to see the sun a bit more during the working week.
1:27pm - Waka Kotahi has provided an update on some of the road closures around the country.
12:55pm - NIWA has released "incredible footage" from the top of Auckland's Sky Tower.
12:46pm - The Auckland Harbour Bridge has reopened, Waka Kotahi said.
They are urging motorists to drive with caution and expect delays in both directions.
12:36pm - Waka Kotahi has closed Auckland Harbour Bridge for the third time on Monday because of strong wind gusts over 100km/h.
Motorists have been told to expect delays or consider using an alternative route.
12:26pm - Waka Kotahi has announced two lanes have re-opened on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
They urge motorists to drive with caution and expect delays in both directions.
12:19pm - The wild weather hitting Auckland on Monday has seen hail whip the city.
Photos Newshub has received show an Auckland property filled with large amounts of hail.
12:10pm - Waka Kotahi said Auckland Harbour Bridge has closed again because of strong wind gusts over 100km/h.
Motorists have been told to expect delays or consider using an alternative route.
12pm - Buller District Council said due to severe wind conditions Westport airport has closed until 2pm on Monday.
The council said Sounds Air has postponed all flights until 2pm and will independently assess when service can be resumed at 2pm.
"There has been some damage to the fencing in front of the airport due to winds up to 50 knots/hour this morning," the Buller District Council said.
"Repairs will be undertaken as soon as the weather permits. This minor damage appears to be the only damage to airport infrastructure at this stage."
11:37am - MetService has issued a road snowfall warning for some of New Zealand's most iconic roads.
The warning has been issued for Desert Rd (SH1), Lewis Pass (SH7), Arthur's Pass (SH73), Crown Range Rd, and Milford Rd (SH94).
11:25am - Just a short time after Waka Kotahi notified us that it was closing the Auckland Harbour Bridge entirely amid 100km/h wind gusts, it has now completely reopened to motorists.
Auckland Transport says the bridge was closed for a total of about 10 minutes.
"Please expect delays on bus services going in and out of the city. Speed limit of 50km/h is now in place on the bridge."
11:20am - After a very brief total closure, the wind has eased and two lanes in each direction have now reopened on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Waka Kotahi says to drive with caution and expect delays.
11:15am - Winds are now gusting over 100km/h, so Waka Kotahi has made the call to close all lanes on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Motorists have been told to expect delays or consider using an alternative route.
10:55am - MetService is urging Kiwis to keep checking the latest weather warnings.
They warn there is still plenty of active weather across the country on Monday.
10:50am - There are a number of roads around the country closed because of the weather on Monday.
The Waka Kotahi website showed the Paekakariki Hill Road just out of Wellington is closed because of multiple slips.
State Highway 5 near Rotorua between Maraeroa road to Dalbeth road is closed because of a slip.
Here is the full list of road closures around the country.
10:44am - Areas in the Wellington region are without power on Monday.
The Wellington Electricity website said there were outages in Kaitoke, Te Marua, Rimutaka Hill and Pakuratahi with the cause still to be determined.
Wellington Electricity hopes for power to be restored by 1pm.
10:25am - WeatherWatch said heavy squally showers are now moving in for the Auckland and Waikato area, which will peak in the next few hours.
10:19am - Waka Kotahi said State Highway 67 between Granity to Mokihinui in the South Island is closed because of flooding.
10:17am - NIWA has released a video showing what more than 110,000 lightning strikes look like in just 7 seconds.
10:12am - Horizons Regional Council said they're watching rivers across the region closely with thunderstorms expected to continue throughout the day.
Here is the full statement from the council:
Horizons Regional Council are keeping a watching brief on rivers across the region with thunderstorms expected to continue throughout the day.
Horizons emergency management controller Craig Grant says Metservice is forecasting rainfall today to be similar to what the region has experienced over the last 24 hours.
"While we are not currently anticipating any major issues for our river systems, thunderstorm rainfall can be unpredictable so we are actively monitoring in case the situation changes and we need to respond.
"In particular we're keeping an eye on the Whanganui, Manawatū, Turakina and Mangaone catchments. Our river management staff are also out inspecting flood protection infrastructure."
Mr Grant says Horizons is in regular contact with the region's city and district councils to keep them informed of possible pressure points.
"The Makino floodgates are currently closed to divert flood flows away from Feilding and we're aware of surface flooding in other parts of the region.
"With catchments now being saturated, and a strong wind watch in place for the entire region, there is likely to be trees impacted throughout the day as well. We encourage people to take care if out and about and stay home if possible."
Up-to-date information on river heights and rainfall is available via Horizons 24 hour toll-free Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD or via our website www.horizons.govt.nz
Updates will also be posted to the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence page: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwhanganui/
For weather forecasting information please see www.metservice.co.nz
10:09am - Here are some more photos showing damage caused by the tornado in Waikanae.
10am - A fresh set of weather warnings has been issued by MetService.
A strong wind warning has been issued for Buller, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough, Tararua, Wairarapa, and Wellington while a heavy rain watch has also been issued for Buller and Westland.
9:51am - The snow has been falling in the South Island ahead as ski season, which starts this week.
New Zealand Ski chief executive Paul Anderson told AM the weather has been "pretty wild" in the South Island.
"It's pretty wild, this has been a significant storm right through the South Island and I believe up through the North Island as well. We've had a lot of snow and a lot of wind with it," Anderson said.
"We open Coronet Peak on Thursday and Remarkables ski field in Queenstown on Saturday. Up in Canterbury, we are looking to make a decision on Mount Hutt once the storm passes through, so probably looking towards the end of this week."
9:38am - The strong wind gusts in Auckland have seen a reduced speed limit imposed on the Harbour Bridge on Monday morning.
Waka Kotahi warns a full bridge closure is possible.
9:32am - About 1000 homes in north and south Taranaki are waking up to no power on Monday as the area is hit by galeforce westerlies.
Power is out in Nomanby, Omata, Hurworth, Tariki and Urenui currently.
The Powerco website said that the outage in Urenui was caused by trees in the power lines, while other outages are still being investigated.
The Powerco website said they estimate the power will be restored anywhere from 10am to 4pm, depending on the suburb.
9:23am - MetService told Newshub the Auckland region has recorded around 20mm of rainfall over the last 12 hours.
The forecaster said Auckland Airport reported 13mm and the worst-hit area in Auckland was Driver Road in Māngere East, which had 23mm.
"There was a period of very heavy rainfall this morning in the hour between midnight and one at Driver Road which recorded 13mm," MetService said.
The peak rainfall recorded at Auckland Airport was between 2-3am where 5.8mm fell in the hour, MetService said.
"It’s worth keeping an eye on the watches and warnings today as there are still some windy and wet conditions to come for the Auckland area today," MetService said.
9am - Photos from Waikanae show the damage the wild weather caused and the clean-up local residents have ahead of them.
8:53am - The wind is still blowing on the Kāpiti Coast after two tornadoes hit Waikanae on Sunday night.
Waikanae Beach resident Paul Knighton told AM his family is ok and the clean up has begun.
"Everyone is fine, everyone is safe and well and that is what is important, the property can be fixed," he told AM.
"There was the roar of the wind and that was the big thing and it was out of the ordinary. We didn't think much of it until my wife peered through the window and said the fence has gone and then obviously this morning, it's very much gone.
"We'll tidy that up and get that to the tip. You can hear over the noise, it's the chainsaws, everyone's out, everyone's pitching in and we'll get it sorted."
8:22am - NIWA is warning Aucklanders to expect strong wind gusts on Monday.
They're predicting wind gusts to get over 100km/h.
8:04am - Waka Kotahi said the multi-vehicle crash blocking the right southbound lane on Mangere Bridge is now clear but commuters are still expected to see delays.
8am - MetService said there have been over 111,000 lightning strikes over the last week all around the country.
The forecaster warns there's more to come on Monday.
7:55am - Parts of the South Island have woken to significant snowfall.
A Twizel resident sent Newshub photos of their property covered in snow at 5am on Monday.
7:45am - A secondary school in Wānaka has been closed on Monday due to snowfall.
Mount Aspiring College said on its Facebook page it would be closed on Monday and expected to reopen on Tuesday.
7:43am - AM reporter Tia McDougall told AM the wind is still very strong in Waikanae and lots of debris is covering the roads.
"What I am seeing is a lot of debris on roads, it's not huge debris but it's a bit annoying for travellers, lots of ricks and little sticks," she said.
"I can see all the power lines are dangling in the wind. The wind is probably the worst part of the weather this morning, it's very, very strong. Behind me, the Waikanae River has been overflowing overnight but it has since gone down a bit but it's still kind of creeping up the bank at the moment."
7:38am - WeatherWatch is warning Kiwis to expect more thunderstorms on Monday as the wild weather continues to hit the country.
7:28am - The crash that was blocking a lane on State Highway 1 in Auckland is now fully clear, Waka Kotahi said.
7:21am - The Kāpiti Coast has continued to be hit by wild weather, with two tornadoes hitting Waikanae on Sunday night.
Waikanae Beach resident Paul Knighton told AM on Monday his house was shaking as the tornado hit.
"A bit of wind whipped through just after 7pm last night," he told AM.
"The house was shaking, you have that instinct that it was a quake but it wasn't. Everything stayed on the walls and I was probably a bit blasé and my wife looked outside and said 'Paul the fence has gone' and suddenly it was all hands on deck.
"We lost our fence, the kid's trampoline is down someone's driveway."
7:10am - Waka Kotahi said both lanes on State Highway 16 under Grafton Bridge in Auckland are now available.
7:05am - Two tornadoes hit the Kāpiti Coast town of Waikanae on Sunday.
Waikanae locals are saying on social media they suspect a tornado went through parts of the town at about 7pm on Sunday.
They reported some trees had fallen, a street light had come down across the road, trampolines had been blown away and there was damage to cars and houses.
Read more about the tornadoes here.
7am - Waka Kotahi is warning Auckland drivers there could be delays in their commute into the city on Monday morning.
6:57am - Here are MetService's latest warnings:
Heavy rain, severe gales and severe thunderstorms for many parts of the country
A strong unsettled west to northwest flow lies over New Zealand, with several embedded troughs and frontal features bringing heavy rain, strong winds and snow to parts of the country. The flow should change to strong southwesterly from the south during Monday. Severe weather warnings and watches remain in force for many areas.
In addition, severe thunderstorms are possible for some areas. Please check the latest thunderstorm outlook for more information.
People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made.
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Area: North Taranaki and Taihape, the west of Taupo, Taumarunui and Waitomo
Period: 9hrs from 10pm Sun, 12 Jun - 7am Mon, 13 Jun
Forecast: Expect 60 to 90 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 25 mm/h, especially in thunderstorms. The greatest accumulations are expected to affect Mount Taranaki and Tongariro National Park.
Area: The Tararua Range
Period: 16hrs from 8pm Sun, 12 Jun - noon Mon, 13 Jun
Forecast: Expect 80 to 90mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 25mm/h, especially in thunderstorms. Note, a further period of rain is expected during Monday afternoon and evening, and the warning may be extended.
Area: Horowhenua to Wellington north of Johnsonville
Period: 15hrs from 8pm Sun, 12 Jun - 11am Mon, 13 Jun
Forecast: Expect 70 to 80 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 25 mm/h expected in thunderstorms. Note that this area may be affected by severe thunderstorms bringing damaging wind gusts of more than 110 km/h and localised tornadoes during this time. Watches for severe thunderstorms have been issued.
Area: Westland south of Otira
Period: 16hrs from 8pm Sun, 12 Jun - noon Mon, 13 Jun
Forecast: Expect a further 100 to 120 mm of rain to accumulate on the ranges on top of what has already fallen, and lesser amounts near the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h about the ranges, especially in thunderstorms. Freezing level about 1200 metres. Much of this precipitation is likely to fall as snow above 1000 metres.
Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Impact: Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Area: Marlborough, Wellington, and Wairarapa about and south of Featherston
Period: 25hrs from 8pm Sun, 12 Jun - 9pm Mon, 13 Jun
Forecast: Northwest gales are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 130 km/h.
Area: Westland, Buller and the Canterbury High Country
Period: 19hrs from 8pm Sun, 12 Jun - 3pm Mon, 13 Jun
Forecast: Northwest gales are forecast to be severe in exposed places at times, with gusts reaching 130 km/h, especially about the Canterbury High Country.
Heavy Rain Watch
Area: The headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthurs Pass.
Period: 16hrs from 8pm Sun, 12 Jun - noon Mon, 13 Jun
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms at times. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria within 20 km east of the main divide. Freezing level about 1200 metres. Much of this precipitation is likely to fall as snow above 1000 metres.
Area: Westland from Otira northwards and Buller
Period: 21hrs from 8pm Sun, 12 Jun - 5pm Mon, 13 Jun
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly about the ranges. Freezing level about 1700 metres at first, lowering to about 1300 metres this evening.
6:51am - MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Nelson, Westport and Greymouth in the South Island and New Plymouth, Palmerston North and the Wairarapa in the North Island.
6:43am - Kia ora, good morning and welcome to Newshub's live updates of the wild weather for Monday.
