100 000 lightning strikes in 24 hours over South Island, New Zealand

MetService recorded nearly 100 000 lightning strikes in 24 hours over South Island, New Zealand, leading up to Saturday morning, December 7, 2019. Some of the strikes were associated with severe storms over Westland, the agency said. The West Coast has also been slammed by heavy rain, resulting in power outages and road slips.

"We've recorded close to 100 000 lightning strikes in the last 24 hours. I don't think we've seen that amount of strikes recorded before," said meteorologist Andy Best.

A state of emergency has been declared in Timaru as the Rangitata River showed threats of bursting its banks. It was 10 times its normal volume and is spilling to State Highway 1, said Civil Defense Spokesperson Stephen Doran.

"The river's in a mainly rural area, so we've been notifying farmers to move stock to higher ground," he stated, also urging campers to pack up and warning residents near the river to evacuate at short notice.

"Widespread flooding is likely. Please use extreme caution and ensure your own safety as the situation could change throughout the day."

State Highway 6 remained closed from Hokitika to Makarora, Otago, with some slips blocking the road. It is expected to re-open to one lane on Sunday morning, December 8, and close again in the afternoon.

Image credit: The Coasters Club/Facebook

State Highway 1 has also been shut, as well as the inland Route 72 at the upper bridge.

Heavy rain warnings may also be issued for the lower North Island. "We also have a heavy rain watch for many North Island areas from Sunday through until Monday – parts of the Bay of Plenty, Taumarunui, Taupo, Taihape," Best added.

MetService warned of further thunderstorms across the country on December 8.

Moreover, a combination of warm and cold air will trigger some thunderstorms across the upper and western sides of the country over the next few days.

Featured image credit: Oimheidi/Pixabay