AUCKLAND, New Zealand, April 3 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand regions were warned against heavy rain and strong winds, caused by "the largest weather system" so far this year, for Thursday afternoon and Friday, the national weather authority MetService said.
"A complex trough accompanied by a strong moist northerly flow moves east across the country Thursday afternoon and Friday. This system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, with the heaviest rain expected to affect northern parts of the South Island. This could be a significant rain event for the Tasman/Nelson districts, and there is a chance that warnings in the area could be upgraded to Red," said MetService in its severe weather warning.
It has been a wet 18 hours across much of the country, and MetService was forecasting further heavy rain as a widespread weather system moves through.
The top of the South Island is in line for the highest rainfall accumulations. After a wet night, the heaviest rainfall is still to come from Thursday afternoon and may lead to surface flooding, slips, and hazardous road conditions. Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are in place there until midday Friday. Other parts of South Island and most parts of North Island are also under an Orange Warning.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said, "The warning areas are forecast to see around a month's worth of rain in about a day, so expect rivers to rise rapidly, and surface flooding may cause disruption."
The main rain band is expected to extend into the North Island from late Thursday into Friday, bringing large amounts of rain to northern and western regions. The heaviest rain is expected overnight in Northland and Friday morning around commute time for Auckland, extending to other areas throughout the day.
In addition to heavy rain, strong winds are set to impact parts of the North Island. It was said that the strongest winds are expected in part of the North Island.
"This is the largest weather system we've seen so far this year. It will definitely pay to keep a close eye for updates over the next day or so," Makgabutlane said. ■
