Significant westerly wind event triggers severe weather warnings, New Zealand

Significant westerly wind event triggers severe weather warnings, New Zealand

Over the weekend of September 16 – 17, 2023, New Zealand’s MetService forecasts an intense westerly wind event across the South Island and the southern half of the North Island. This anticipated event could be more disruptive than yesterday’s strong winds, which resulted in power outages in Wairarapa.

Red warning for heavy rainfall issued for Gisborne, New Zealand

Red warning for heavy rainfall issued for Gisborne, New Zealand

New Zealand’s MetService upgraded its Heavy Rain Warning to the highest level – Red – for Gisborne area. This is the highest severe weather warning and indicates that people must take immediate action to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather. The warning is in effect through Sunday morning, June 25.

Shallow M5.9 earthquake hits Auckland Islands, New Zealand

Shallow M5.9 earthquake hits Auckland Islands, New Zealand

A shallow earthquake registered by GeoNet as M5.9 hit the Auckland Islands, New Zealand region at 02:21 UTC on May 31, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 12 km (7.4 miles). USGS and EMSC are reporting M6.2 at a depth of 0 km.

Sudden cloudburst hits Waihi Beach, causing severe flash floods, New Zealand

Sudden cloudburst hits Waihi Beach, causing severe flash floods, New Zealand

A sudden cloudburst on Monday afternoon, May 29, 2023, led to flash flooding at Waihi Beach in the western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, resulting in evacuations and significant damage. Approximately 60 mm (2.3 inches) of rain fell during the burst, causing floodwaters to reach waist height at their peak.

State of local emergency in Auckland following heavy rainfall and flooding, New Zealand

State of local emergency in Auckland following heavy rainfall and flooding, New Zealand

A state of local emergency was declared by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown on May 9, 2023, due to severe floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. The MetService reported rain rates of 40 – 50 mm (1.6 – 1.9 inches) per hour in certain areas of Auckland, leading to significant disruption and causing over 200 weather-related emergency calls.

Very strong M7.1 earthquake hits Kermadec Islands, New Zealand

Very strong M7.1 earthquake hits Kermadec Islands, New Zealand

A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.1 hit the Kermadec Islands region, New Zealand. The agency is reporting a depth of 49 km (30 miles). EMCS is reporting M7.1 at a depth of 40 km (24.8 miles).

Mass stranding of rough-toothed dolphins in Far North, New Zealand

Mass stranding of rough-toothed dolphins in Far North, New Zealand

A pod of 25 rough-toothed dolphins stranded on a reef at Tauroa Point at the southern end of 90 Mile Beach, New Zealand’s Far North District on April 17, 2023. A stranding of this size for this species is unprecedented.