New Zealand / Weather

Destructive storm: What you need to know

19:45 pm on 1 February 2018

The stormy weather caused by former Tropical Cyclone Fehi is causing havoc nationwide with road closures, flooding and power outages.

A severe weather warning is in place for most of the country after the ex-cyclone arrived overnight.

Air New Zealand said some flights, on both turbo-prop and jet planes, are being cancelled or delayed because of the weather. It said passengers should check the website.

If you have images of flood damage, please email: iwitness@radionz.co.nz

Here's how the weather is affecting your region:

Auckland

  • Tamaki Drive may close again this evening at full tide at 9.10pm
  • Flooding closed a large section of the arterial route at rush hour this morning, meaning commuters had to try to find other ways to the city.

Taranaki

  • Fire and emergency has asked residents of East Beach in Waitara to evacuate.
  • Power is also out to 1000 properties in Taranaki and Whanganui because of strong winds or power lines in trees.

Wellington

  • A slip on SH1 at Ngauranga Gorge blocked two southbound lanes
  • Gusts of more than 140km/h measured, bringing down dozens of trees and flattening a traffic light on SH1
  • Dozens of flights in and out of the capital were cancelled and delayed
  • Days Bay - Queens Wharf ferry were cancelled
  • Wheelie bins are turning into missiles from the wind

Tasman District

  • The Nelson Tasman Group Emergency Operations Centre has been activated as wild weather continues to batter the region.
  • A failure at the Richmond sewerage pump station has caused sewerage overflows into Monaco, Nelson Haven and Waimea Estuary. Do not swim in these areas.
  • There have been a number of evacuations in coastal areas, including Monaco, Ruby Bay, Mapua and Collingwood.
  • The Nelson airport is closed with no road access.
  • Several road are closed including Rocks Road, Takaka Hill and the Coastal Road around Ruby Bay.

West Coast

  • A State of Emergency has been declared in Buller.
  • Some Buller homes affected by untreated sewage.
  • There have been evacuations in low-lying areas including Snodgrass, Carters Beach and Derby Street. Some houses have been flooded.
  • Cape Foulwind saw a 160km/h gust blow through earlier today.
  • Power has been cut to several thousands homes and businesses along the West Coast, including all of Hokitika and in south Westland, and could be out for up to 48 hours.
  • The Greymouth CBD has been cordoned off as a precaution due to severe wind and rain, and some people in low-lying coastal areas near Nelson are choosing to evacuate.

Otago/Southland

  • Dunedin has declared a Civil Defence Emergency due to flooding.
  • Untreated sewage was flowing in some streets.
  • Roads have been closed including SH8 at Roxburgh due to flooding.
  • Flights in and out of Queenstown have been cancelled.
  • Central Otago District Council is warning of fallen trees in the Maniototo, as well as surface flooding on roads across the district.
  • Trampers in Fiordland are being warned to stay in huts, as wild weather batters the district.