Large parts of Aotearoa are set to be lashed by strong winds and heavy swells as MetService issues multiple severe weather warnings.
A cold front is expected to move northwards across the motu during Friday and Saturday, bringing showers and "very strong winds" to many regions across the country.
Northland is under a strong wind watch from 6am until at least 3pm on Saturday, with MetService saying westerly winds could approach severe gale in exposed places.
A strong wind watch has been issued for Auckland including Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula from 4am until at least midnight on Saturday.
Tararua District and Hawke's Bay south of Hastings are also under strong wind watches from 10am on Friday until at least 6am on Saturday. "West to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places," MetService said.
A strong wind watch is in force for Canterbury High Country and the ranges of Marlborough south of Ward from at least an hour from 8am on Friday. Winds there could reach severe gales too.
Two heavy swell warnings are in effect for lower parts of the North Island - in Wellington and Cape Terawhiti to Turakirea Head for at least 12 hours from 12pm on Saturday.
MetService's website warns the highest risk period is usually at or within one to two hours of high tide.
Tides
- Cape Terawhiti high tides: 7:28pm Saturday
- Wellington high tides: 6:21pm Saturday
Wairarapa, Terawhiti Head to Mataikona from 12pm Saturday to 12am Saturday.
"Southerly swell 4 metres developing late Saturday evening, easing to 3 metres Sunday morning. Period 14 seconds."
Tides
- Cape Palliser high tides: 6:31pm Sat 30th
- Castlepoint high tides: 6:46pm Sat 30th.
Meanwhile, Road snowfall warnings are in place on State Highway networks in the North and South Island.
MetService has issued Desert Rd (State Highway 1) with a road snowfall warning from 7am until at least 2pm on Saturday.
"Snow is expected about higher parts of the road Saturday morning and 2 to 4cm of snow may settle near the summit, with lighter flurries down to 700m," reads MetService's website.
Porters Pass (SH73) is under a road snowfall warning from 5am Saturday for at least three hours.
MetService's website said the snow is expected to briefly affect the road on Saturday morning, with between 1 and 2cm of snow that could settle above 500m.
Crown Range Rd's snowfall warning is in place from 9pm Friday until at least 3am on Saturday.
"Snow showers are forecast to affect the road this evening and tonight," MetService said on Friday. "One to 3cm of snow may settle above 500 metres."
Milford Rd (SH94) is under a road snowfall warning from 5pm on Friday for at least five hours. MetService said snow is forecast to lower to 700m late on Friday afternoon and between 3 and 5cm of snow could accumulate near the tunnel until late evening.
"Lesser amounts down to 700 metres. Further snow showers are possible Saturday afternoon and this warning may be extended this evening."
