Wild weather is hitting the country on Tuesday, with snow and floods forcing the closure of several key routes around New Zealand.
MetService has issued over 40 weather warnings and watches around both the North and South Islands.
The weather blast has also caused power outages and self-evacuations in some areas.
What you need to know:
- A number of state highways and roads have closed due to flooding, snow, slips and fallen trees
- Self-evacuations are being carried out in Selwyn Huts
- Commuters are being warned the Auckland Harbour Bridge could close on Tuesday because of high winds
- Delays and cancellations to ferry crossings in Auckland
- MetService has issued weather warnings and watches for most of New Zealand.
These live updates have now finished.
6:30pm - Selwyn Civil Defence said an emergency centre has been set up at the Lincoln Event Centre to provide short-term, drop-in support for people evacuating from the flooding.
The Hororata River has breached at Happy Jacks Creek, but Civil Defence said there is no indication of immediate danger to any property.
Civil Defence has assisted with sandbagging for a small number of properties in the Hororata and Sheffield areas, however, due to adverse conditions no further sandbagging will be available overnight.
Rainfall is expected to ease which will reduce the rate of river flow increase over the next few hours.
5:25pm - Amberly residents are urged to prepare for a potential power outage.
Mainpower has issued a warning for the Canterbury town of Amberly to prepare for a power cut up to 24 hours long.
It said rising water levels have impacted a power pole near the Waipara River that supplies electricity to the town and surrounding areas.
5:15pm - Most power outages in Buller should be restored by 7:00pm tonight.
Buller Electricity said they are planning to restore power to the following areas:
- Nine Mile Area
Stephens Road (Sergeants Hill)
Utopia Road
Fairdown
Waimangaroa
Birchfield
Granity
Mokihinui
Seddonville
Buller Electricity is urging people to be aware that some household electrical appliances may be damaged.
"If your power remains off after 18:30 or you need to report a fault/damage please call your electricity retailer."
4:55pm - Many highways and local roads are closed in Canterbury, West Coast, Lindis Pass into Otago and Marlborough.
Waka Kotahi NZTA said heavy rain, snow and gale-force winds are continuing to keep key routes closed across the South Island this afternoon, with some roads expected to remain closed overnight.
The agency said contractors are making efforts to reopen roads.
"Even where roads are open, road users should be alert to the dangers of surface water, rising river levels, rockfalls, fallen trees, and slips," journey manager Tresca Forrester said.
Here are the closures below:
Closures – West Coast
- SH73 Jacksons to Kumara - fallen trees - detour via SH7 Jacksons to Moana to Stillwater
- SH6 Ross to Fox Glacier - strong winds/power lines down
Closures - Marlborough
- SH1 Blenheim to Seddon - flooding
- SH1 Seddon to Kaikōura - flooding
- SH63 St Arnaud to Renwick - flooding
Closures – Marlborough/Canterbury and into the Lindis Pass/ Otago
- SH1 Seddon to Kaikōura - flooding
- SH73 Springfield to Castle Hill (Porters Pass) - snow
- SH73 Castle Hill to Arthurs Pass - snow - 8am update Wednesday
- SH77 Darfield to Rakaia Gorge Bridge - flooding
- SH77 Between Blackford Road and Mt Hutt Station Road - washout Detour northbound use Mt Hutt Station Road, Rakaia River Road, Rakaia Barrhill Methven Road, Elizabeth Ave onto SH1. Southbound turn east at Windwhistle onto Leaches Road, Saunders Road, Sharland Road, Ardlui Road, Rakaia Terrace Road, North Rakaia Road onto SH1.
- SH79 Fairlie between Gudex Rd and SH8 intersection (Fairlie-Geraldine Highway) - snow
- SH8 Twizel to Fairlie (Burkes Pass) - snow
- SH80 Aoraki Mount Cook Highway - snow
- SH8 Tarras to Omarama (Lindis Pass) - snow closed overnight, 6am update Wednesday, 13 July
OPEN but care needed
- SH7 Hanmer Turnoff to Springs Junction (Lewis Pass) - strong winds - slow down
- SH7 Springs Junction to Reefton (Rahu Saddle) - strong winds - debris on the road
- SH77 Mount Hutt to Ashburton - flooding
- SH79 Geraldine to Fairlie - snow
Most of these closures are "until further notice" so people will need to check on the Waka Kotahi NZTA traffic and travel map to see changes. Many roads may stay closed overnight.
4:30pm - Road update for Waikato and Bay of Plenty:
Waka Kotahi NZTA said state Highway 25 is now open between Hikuai and Tairua, but will remain closed overnight between Wharekaho and Kūaotunu.
4:20pm - Road update for Wellington:
Remutaka Hill on State Highway 2 has opened. Waka Kotahi NZTA is warning motorists to be prepared for delays as queues clear from the closure.
Due to flooding, the Waihenga Bridge on State Highway 53 from Featherston to Martinborough is closed.
4:15pm - Road update for Canterbury and West Coast:
State Highway 77 from Darfield to Rakaia Gorge Bridge is now closed due to flooding and is expected to be open on Wednesday.
State Highway 79 in Fairlie is closed between Gudex Road and the SH8 intersection due to snow.
Due to flooding State Highway 1 is closed between Seddon and Kaikoura.
The Christchurch City Council has reported many road closures around the city centre, to see the updated list click here.
4:00pm - Road update for Auckland and Northland:
State Highway 1 remains closed between Perry Rd and Rangiahua Rd in Horeke. Waka Kotahi NZTA said it is likely to remain closed for some time today due to incoming high tides.
Waka Kotahi NZTA is warning motorists to expect delays on the Auckland Harbour Bridge due to winds rising again.
A slip on the section of SH1 remains closed between Orewa and Warkworth. Waka Kotahi NZTA said the road is unlikely to open until later tonight as multiple trees still need to be removed from the bank before it is safe to drive through the area.
State Highway 15 is closed in both directions between Pakotai and Parakao.
State Highway 10 near Omaunu Rd in Kaeo is now open, but motorists are warned to drive with caution through the area.
3:35pm - Parts of the country are still experiencing power outages due to the wild weather.
Buller Electricity has reported issues with the power line over the Karamea Bluff which is unable to be fully assessed until winds drop. This may affect several consumers that are likely not to have power re-stored tonight.
Westpower has restored power to South Westland with the exception of Hari Hari to Whataroa.
Power has been restored to most parts of Northland. However, Top Energy is reporting a power cut affecting 81 homes and businesses in Peria and a further eight customers without power in Russell.
3:20pm - The Selwyn District Council is asking residents on the Hororata water supply to conserve water.
The council said the supply has been shut down due to "continuing high turbidity" as a result of the current severe weather event and the reservoir is running low.
Residents are asking to conserve water until the supply can be restored and to check www.selwyn.govt.nz/waternotices for updates.
3:00pm - Self evacuations are being carried out in Selwyn Huts in the Canterbury region.
Selwyn Civil Defence is advising residents in Selwyn Huts to self-evacuate as river levels rise in the Waikirikiri/Selwyn River.
Anyone requiring assistance with evacuation or accommodation should contact the Council on 0800 SELWYN (0800 735 996).
Any residents concerned about life-threatening or immediate flooding danger should call 111 and ask for Fire and Emergency.
No other evacuation warnings are in place in Selwyn at present.
2:20pm - Mt Hutt Ski Field in Canterbury has reported 40cm of snow so far and is predicting storm totals around the 80cm mark. Mt Hutt is currently closed until Wednesday.
2:00pm - Wind gusts on the Auckland Harbour Bridge are rising again with reduced speed limits in place.
Waka Kotahi NZTA said lane reductions may be required.
1:50pm - The blast of weather has closed several key routes around the South Island.
Waka Kotahi NZTA said flooding, snow, power lines down and fallen trees have caused highways across Canterbury, West Coast and Marlborough to be closed this afternoon. Some closures are expected to remain overnight.
Closed
SH1 Blenheim to Seddon - Flooding
SH6 Ross to Fox Glacier - Power lines down
SH8 Twizel to Fairlie (Burkes Pass) - Snow
SH8 Tarras to Omarama (Lindis Pass) - Snow
SH63 St Arnaud to Renwick - Flooding
SH67 Granity to Mokihinui - Power lines down
SH73 Springfield to Castle Hill (Porters Pass) - Snow
SH73 Jacksons to Kumara - Fallen Trees
SH80 Aoraki Mount Cook Highway - Snow
Open with restrictions
SH73 Castle Hill to Arthurs Pass - Snow - Chains essential - closed to towing vehicles
SH73 Arthurs Pass to Otira - Snow - Chains essential - closed to towing vehicles
Open with caution
SH7 Hanmer Turnoff to Springs Junction (Lewis Pass) - Strong Winds - Gale force winds expected, slow down
SH7 Springs Junction to Reefton (Rahu) - Strong Winds - debris on the road
SH77 Mount Hutt to Ashburton - Snow
SH79 Geraldine to Fairlie - Snow
1:03pm - Photos Newshub has received show surface flooding that remains on some roads in the Northland region.
12:48pm - Marlborough District Council has put out the following statement about wild weather in the region:
Heavy rainfall means the sewerage systems in Blenheim and Seddon are currently at full capacity. People are asked not to flush toilets in Blenheim and Seddon today.
Picton, Renwick and Havelock’s sewer systems are coping well. All sports parks are closed, as is the Seddon Transfer Station.
Road closures
- SH63 between Renwick and St Arnaud
- SH1 south of Blenheim between the Roadhouse Drive and Seddon
- Kaituna-Tuamarina Road between SH6 and Waikakaho Road intersection
- Awatere Valley Road at SH1 turnoff
- Omaka Ford on Old Renwick Road
- Jacksons Road and Thompsons Ford Road.
- Brookby Road at Fairhall.
Slips
- Northbank Road, multiple slips near SH6 turnoff
- Tumbledown Bay Road, 9.5km from Port Underwood Road intersection
- Kenepuru Road Tree across road at Broughton Bay
- Queen Charlotte Drive slip near number 2723, between Shakespeare and Ngakuta bays
Flooding
- Pukaka Road and Pembers Road intersection at Tuamarina
- Pukaka Valley Road
- Godfrey’s Road
- Howick Road and Wither Road intersection
- Weld Street and Muller Road
- Old Renwick Road Hammerichs Road intersection
- New Renwick Road - near 720
- Hawkesbury Road
- Vickerman Street
- SH1 Grove Road outside Couplands, Blenheim
- SH1 South from Picton - multiple sites: 2km south from the Para swamp passing lane, Koromiko Airport and leaving Picton.
- SH1 South from Blenheim multiple sites: south of the Waima/Ure River: at Lions Back 2km south of Seddon at Awatere Valley Road turnoff; and southbound before Redwood Pass, Ward near Flaxbourne Bridge.
- SH6 at Te Hoiere Road, five minutes from Havelock towards Nelson
- SH63 Inkerman Street - between Inkerman and Anglesea unpassable, detour in place.
- SH6 20km from Blenheim at Bomford Street intersection
- Waihopai Valley at the SH63 intersection
- Northbank Road, tree down 3.2km from the SH6 turnoff.
- Port Underwood Road
- Two fords on Old Renwick Road at Jacksons Road and O’Dwyers Road
- Onamalutu Road, 1km from Northbank Road turnoff
- Wakamarina, Ronga and Opouri Roads.
- Redwood St at the Hale St intersection; McCartney St; Taylor Crescent and Houldsworth St, Blenheim.
12:39pm - Interislander is urging passengers to drive to the conditions and not their departure times.
In an update on its Facebook page, Interislander said if passengers cannot make their departure time on Tuesday due to flooding, they would be moved to a later sailing.
"We are assessing Picton to Wellington sailings this afternoon to see if we delay departures. It is still raining steadily in Marlborough and Waka Kotahi has not indicated when the roads may open. If you cannot make your sailing today due to flooding we can move to a later departure. Please drive to the conditions and not to the ferry departure times!"
12:17pm - State Highway 1 north of Auckland remains fully closed between Orewa and Warkworth while crews work to clear a large slip and fallen trees.
"Our teams are on-site and are working to clear the slip as quickly as possible. Delay your journey if possible or use the alternative route via #SH16," Waka Kotahi said.
11:47am - West Coast Emergency Management has put out the following statement about wild weather in the region:
West Coast Emergency Management, alongside the Councils and other agencies, met this morning to share information and keep informed about the impact of the current weather system affecting the country today.
Claire Brown, Civil Defence Regional Director, said ongoing wind warnings and watches will continue for much of the region throughout today.
"We are encouraging people to keep up to date with the latest warnings from MetService."
MetService have advised the following:
For Buller, there is a potentially significant event with a strong wind warning in place until 3.00pm this afternoon. The worst effects are expected to be felt this morning. The forecast is for east to southeast winds to rise to severe gale with damaging gusts 130 to 140 km/h in exposed places, especially during the morning. These winds have the potential to produce widespread damage, especially to trees and powerlines, and could lift roofs.
For Westland north of Fox Glacier, the wind warning is in place until 8.00pm this evening. Expect the wind to rise to severe gale gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Transport and power networks could be significantly impacted, with road closures and power outages. Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Unnecessary travel should be avoided, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
For Westland south of Fox Glacier, a wind watch is in place until 9.00pm where east to southeast winds may approach severe gales.
We have had reports in from the agencies across the region. Buller Electricity are reporting a number of power outages across Buller. At this stage power outages are anticipated to be ongoing until this evening.
The power outages are affecting many sewer pump stations in Westport. Generators are in place for most major pump stations and BDC are keeping as many of the stations running as possible.
Westpower reported a brief power outage in south Westland that has already been restored.
It is important that people treat electrical connections as live at all times.
Emergency Services and Health are on high alert but have not reported any significant impacts
at this stage. Fire and Emergency are investigating a report of some damage to the Waimangaroa station. Yesterday the Department of Conservation reported they had taken precautionary measures and had closed some walking tracks including Paparoa.
We have staff based across all three districts and also in Karamea as support.
Agencies will meet again at the middle of the day to continue to assess and report back on any impact.
Currently State Highway 7 between Granity to Mohihinui is closed due to strong winds.
Ms Brown encouraged people to keep up to date with the latest information from MetService and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
11:38am - Meanwhile up north, police are warning motorists in Auckland to avoid Kirkbride Road in Māngere. Police said a large tree has fallen near the intersection with George Bolt Memorial Drive, just before the motorway on-ramp.
Both lanes of the road are blocked.
Emergency services are in attendance to clear the area.
There are no reports of injuries.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area until the tree has been moved.
11:346m - SH1 between Blenheim to Seddon has been closed in both directions due to flooding. Waka Kotahi is urging commuters to delay their journey.
10:52am - State Highway 1 north of Auckland remains fully closed between Orewa and Woodcocks Road (Warkworth) while crews work to clear a large slip.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is urging drivers to delay journeys or take a detour via State Highway 16.
"Traffic in the area is very heavy, and people are urged to avoid the area altogether if possible. Those who are using SH1 are advised to exit at Silverdale or earlier," Waka Kotahi said.
The closure will remain in place until crews are able to clear the slip, with a further update to be provided on Tuesday afternoon, Waka Kotahi said.
10:27am - After a wet and windy morning, the weather in Auckland is starting to clear.
It's good news for commuters with Waka Kotahi revealing it no longer expects the Harbour Bridge to be forced to close.
"Speed reductions may still be likely, as wet weather continues across the region - drive with care Auckland Traffic," Waka Kotahi said.
10:20am - A search and rescue operation is underway in Waikato after a group of trampers got caught out by a fast-moving river.
Police said in a statement emergency services are responding to the incident near the base of the Tuahu track in the Manawaru area.
Police said they received the report at about 9:20am and all three trampers are reportedly safe at this stage.
9:45am - Power outages are being reported across the North Island.
Outages have been reported in Morrinsville, Tangimoana, New Plymouth, Tauranga, Foxton, Palmerston North, Mangapakeha, Cambridge and Thames, according to Powerco.
In total, there are 961 properties suffering outages, with the worst-hit area being Tangimoana near Palmerston North.
According to Powerco's website, most places should have power restored by early afternoon.
9:32am - Metlink has advised passengers on the Kapiti line train to expect delays because of a slip on the tracks.
"Buses will run between Wellington and Ngaio with trains shuttling between Ngaio and Johnsonville," Metlink said.
Metlink warned both the bus and train services will be limited and to expect delays.
"Passengers are advised to seek alternative transport where available and Metlink buses will be accepting rail tickets."
9:16am - Strong wind gusts are battering some parts of the country on Tuesday morning.
Metservice said Northland is being lashed by gusts of up to 135kmph, while Auckland is experiencing winds of 115kmph.
A strong wind warning is in place for Auckland, Tasman, Buller and Westland.
8:56am - Parts of State Highway 1 north of Auckland are closed because of fallen trees and slips near Puhoi.
Waka Kotahi urged drivers to delay their journey, avoid the area between Orewa and Warkworth or use State Highway 16 as a detour.
8:42am - MetService has warned there is more snow to come for inland areas of the South Island on Tuesday.
Road snowfall warnings are in place for some of New Zealand's most iconic roads in the South Island, with up to 10cm expected on Porters Pass.
The road snowfall warnings are in place for Lewis Pass (SH7), Arthur's Pass (SH73), Porters Pass (SH73), Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Road, Milford Road (SH94) and Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1).
8:26am - Metlink has advised passengers on the Kapiti line train to expect "major delays" because of a tree falling onto the tracks.
Metlink said there would be busses going between the two stations, but they would be limited and not running to schedule.
"Major delays are expected. Passengers north of Paekakariki are advised to seek alternative transport this morning due to the track closure."
8:07am - The Northland District Health Board is urging drivers to take care on the roads on Tuesday.
Northland District Health Board said there is a small slip by the waterfall on the south side of the Bryndrywns covering part of the southbound lane.
A tree is blocking the southbound lane just before the school on State Highway 10 in Pakaraka, while the road through Kaeo is down to half a lane.
7:36am - Coromandel is facing the brunt of Tuesday morning's wild weather with slips and surface flooding forcing several road closures.
A large slip has closed State Highway 24 north of Wharekaho with the road to be shut until crews can begin work in the daylight.
State Highway 25 between Hikuai and Whitianga has significant surface flooding and there are a number of small slips between Hikuai and Whangamatā.
Residents there are warned to expect up to a further 120 millimetres of rain on top of what has already fallen.
7:21am - The Auckland Harbour Bridge remains open but there are some speed restrictions in place, Waka Kotahi said.
"We're monitoring the conditions and if required, lane closures or full closures will be put in place (at any stage) if there are sudden or high wind gusts on the Bridge," Waka Kotahi said on Twitter.
7:16am - It's not just rain battering the country on Tuesday morning it's also the wind with one place having gusts up to 135kmph.
MetService said since 6am, Cape Foulwind in the South Island had seen gusts up to 98kmph, while Levin saw gusts up to 91kmph.
7:09am - MetService Meteorologist Lewis Ferris told AM Aucklanders should be aware of all potential hazards.
"Places that are already saturated and are seeing those higher rainfall rates will most definitely have seen at least some bigger puddles and possibly some slips," he told AM.
"With that wind alongside it, there is that potential for some trees to come down and the potential for power outages."
7:03am - The Far North is getting battered by the wild weather with heavy rain over the last 24 hours.
MetService said since lunchtime on Monday, Kerikeri has recorded just short of 100mm of rain.
7am - The wild weather is hitting the majority of New Zealand on Tuesday morning.
MetService has issued 47 weather warnings and watches - 22 in the North Island and 25 in the South Island.
Reporter Nats Levi told AM from near the Auckland Harbour Bridge that the wind gusts are strong.
"We are in a sheltered part by the Auckland bridge on the city side and I can tell you these gusts are strong," she said.
"I'm fully holding [this umbrella] in a strong abdominal brace to brace against this wind with gusts expected to reach up to 110kmph," which of course puts the bridge on red alert."
6:48am - Police are urging drivers to delay travel if possible in the Far North as the region gets hit by wild weather.
Police said in a statement they advise motorists travelling on Takahue Road in Kaitaia that traffic is building due to an earlier crash.
The intersection of Takahue Road and State Highway 1 is currently closed after emergency services responded to the crash at around 5am.
One person has been transported to hospital with moderate injuries.
Additionally, a crash involving one vehicle on State Highway 10, just north of Pakaraka School, is partially blocking the road.
"Diversions are in place, however motorists are to be advised to expect delays and avoid both areas, if possible," police said in a statement.
Police urge motorists to drive with extreme caution, particularly in areas where there is surface flooding as there could be hidden hazards.
"If you can delay travel, we would advise you do so until the weather event has passed," the statement said.
6:45am - Auckland Transport has announced due to weather conditions, the 7am and 8am Pine Harbour to Auckland ferry services will be replaced by bus.
And all other Pine Harbour ferry services have been cancelled until further notice.
6:42am - The Auckland Harbour Bridge is still currently open but operating at reduced speeds of 70kmph.
MetService has issued a strong wind warning for Auckland from 2am to 9am on Tuesday, forecasting that northeast winds will rise to gales gusting 110km/h.
Waka Kotahi NZTA said if wind speeds surpass the threshold for safe use of the Auckland Harbour Bridge it could result in multiple closures over a one to two-hour time period.
6:33am - Waka Kotahi is urging commuters to take "extra caution" on Tuesday morning because of the wet weather overnight.
6:28am - The Interislander is warning of possible delays to crossings on Tuesday as the country gets hit by wild weather.
In an update on its Facebook page on Monday night, Interislander said they are not expecting cancellations but warned of possible delays.
"If you are booked to sail with us on Tuesday 12 July please be aware the weather forecast is for strong southerlies and high swells (4 metres+) with the worst weather forecasted for Tuesday morning," Interislander said.
"We are not expecting cancellations but there are possible delays. If the swell is strong around Tory Channel we may divert through the Northern Entrance which takes an extra hour longer."
6:20am - Kia ora, good morning and welcome to Newshub's live updates of the wild weather hitting New Zealand on Tuesday.
