A wave of severe weather is bringing powerful winds and thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon as a front pushes northwards over the South Island today and onto the lower North Island tonight.
"A high risk of thunderstorms is forecast for the West Coast and Southern Alps for the rest of the day. These storms are bringing strong winds and hourly rainfall rates of 15-25mm/h," MetService warns.
"The majority of today's rainfall is expected in the Southern Alps and Westland ranges where Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are in place."
"This can cause streams and rivers to rapidly rise. Surface flooding and slips are also possible in these areas."
NIWA says the winds will be powerful enough to cause damage for some in the South Island.
"Winds will gust in excess of 100km/h across Canterbury, right down to coastal areas, strongest during the afternoon. Some inland areas will exceed 130 km/h!" it warns.
"What can you do to prepare? Take some time to secure loose items NOW and consider adjusting outdoor plans. Winds of this magnitude can cause structural damage. Play it safe on Saturday!"
Then on Sunday and Monday there's a nationwide cool down with some in the South Island seeing a big drop of over 10C in daytime highs.
A list of road snow warnings is available here.
