Severe Weather Batters New Zealand’s West Coast, Triggering Evacuations and Road Closures
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New Zealand’s West Coast is grappling with widespread flooding and landslides following days of torrential rain, prompting emergency responses and significant disruptions to travel. Authorities have activated emergency operations centers in the Grey and Buller districts, advising residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for potential evacuation.
West Coast Under Siege: Flooding and Road Closures
Heavy rainfall has caused rivers to swell rapidly, leading to road closures and the shutdown of the Greymouth Aerodrome runway due to flooding. The Grey River continues to rise as floodwaters move downstream, with staff closely monitoring conditions on Kaiata and Golf Links Roads near Greymouth. A landslide approximately 40 meters from Sawyers Creek, off Marlborough Street, is also under observation.
“It came through very fast up at Waipuna and up at Ahaura this morning,” said a local mayor. “The farmers alerted me. It happened very quickly for them so it took us a little bit by surprise even though we knew we were getting quite a lot of rain.”
While initial reports indicate minimal damage to homes, authorities remain vigilant. Reports have also surfaced of sewage backups and debris accumulating in rivers. Civil Defence staff are on duty until midnight, and schools, including Awahono School in Ahaura, have sent students home as a precaution. Schools are being contacted as water levels rise at Coal Creek and Kaiata, impacting school bus routes. The Ahaura River has begun to stabilize, and the Waipuna River is receding, but Atarau Road remains a concern. Surface flooding has been reported between Stillwater and Moana, and the Iveagh Bay underpass is flooded, necessitating a detour.
Alpine Passes and State Highways Impacted
The severe weather extends beyond the West Coast, with significant disruptions to travel across the upper South Island. Two sections of State Highway 7 are closed due to flooding and the risk of landslides. Motorists are advised to detour via Atarau, Taylorville-Blackball, and Taylorville Roads between Stillwater and Ngahere, and the highway between Springs Junction and Reefton is also shut.
Image of road obstructed at Rahu Saddle on SH7 between Reefton and Springs Junction
Further south, State Highway 67 is closed between Mokihinui and Karamea Bluff due to a landslide. Flooding has also impacted sections of State Highway 6 through the Lower Buller Gorge, from Greymouth to Punakaki, and State Highway 67A from Westport to Cape Foulwind. Rocks have fallen on State Highway 6 near Meybille Bay, north of Punakaiki, and drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution on State Highway 73 between Arthur’s Pass Village and Kumara Junction.
Broader Weather Outlook: Wet Weekend Ahead
MetService is forecasting a wet and windy weekend for much of central and southern New Zealand, while some eastern regions may experience warmer temperatures. A weather front stalling over the South Island is expected to bring heavy rain warnings for the Buller and Tararua ranges through Sunday, and a 42-hour strong wind watch is in effect for Wellington, Wairarapa, and the Tararua District, with potential for severe gale-force winds.
Tweet from MetService regarding updated warnings
The capital is bracing for cloudy conditions with occasional drizzle and wind gusts up to 100km/h. However, gusty northwesterly winds are expected to bring summery temperatures to parts of the eastern North Island, with highs of 28°C forecast for Hastings and 27°C for Napier. A strong wind watch is also in place for Marlborough until Friday afternoon.
While the West Coast may experience a brief respite on Saturday, another front is expected to arrive later in the day, bringing renewed showers. Heavy rain watches are in place for Nelson Lakes and the Tasman District west of Takaka, with a moderate chance of being upgraded to warnings. The east coast of the South Island, however, is expected to enjoy a fine start to the weekend with temperatures between 21°C and 24°C from Oamaru to Culverden on Friday.
