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…
A severe storm hit parts of New Zealand on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The lower North Island and portions of the South Island were among the most affected areas. Otago residents said they witnessed a tornado, rising up to around…
Two severe weather events battered New Zealand's Canterbury region over the past 3 days – a severe hailstorm in Timaru on November 20, 2019, and a destructive tornado that ripped through Christchurch on November 18. After the catastrophic events, farmers found…
Over 1 500 lightning strikes pummeled the South Island during a six-hour storm that hammered Canterbury, with destructive hailstones around 4.3 cm (1.7 inches) in diameter hitting Timaru on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. It was the second storm to hit the region in…
A tornado hit Christchurch in New Zealand on November 18, 2019, leaving a trail of damage from central suburbs to coastal areas, according to the nation's Fire and Emergency. The twister injured two people, scattered debris through the air, and disrupted power…
Despite the upcoming summer season, a huge storm is expected to hit New Zealand this week, bringing strong winds, snow, and waves over 9 m (30 feet). Severe weather is set to begin in the South Island on Tuesday afternoon, October 22, with a front dropping the…
Torrential rains caused serious flooding and slips in Coromandel, North Island, New Zealand forcing various roads to close on September 10, 2019. Although forecasts stated that 110 mm (4 inches) of rain is expected, over 260 mm (10 inches) of rainfall hit The…
A tornado type waterspout hit Auckland's waterfront on August 12, 2019, causing severe damage. The tornado caused many yachts at Westhaven Marina to lose their moorings, vehicles got swept into the ocean, one catamaran was overturned and a yacht was struck by…
The atmospheric river event affecting New Zealand over the past 3 days has set the country's new 48-hour rainfall record. The storm caused major infrastructural damage, including destroyed Waiho Bridge in South Island's Westland District. At least one person…
Heavy rain over the past 2 days caused near-record river levels across the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. In less than 48 hours, parts of the region recorded 548 mm (21.6 inches) of rain, nearly 10% of its yearly average. More than 300 mm (11.8…
