Strong autumn storm set to slam New Zealand

A powerful autumn storm will take aim at New Zealand through Tuesday night bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong wind.

A strengthening storm that is nearing New Zealand from the west will cross northern parts of the country on Tuesday. Northern parts of South Island and North Island are expected to experience the worst conditions.

Some locations will receive 25-75 mm (1-3 inches) of rain and wind gusts of 100-115 km/h (62-71 mph). Exposed locations along the coast of North Island could have even stronger wind.

The most impactful conditions will occur on Tuesday when the strongest wind and heaviest rain will fall from Wellington to Auckland. Thunderstorms bringing damaging winds are possible from across the North Island, especially northern and western areas.

This will likely disrupt ferry service between North and South Islands, as well as delay or cancel flights at airports across the country. People traveling by automobile should leave extra travel time due to reduced visibility and ponding on some roadways.

Isolated power outages are possible, mostly across North Island. Loose objects, such as trampolines and lawn decorations, could be tossed by stronger wind gusts.

The worst of the conditions in Christchurch are expected from into early on Tuesday. This could lead to a slow commute on Tuesday morning. While some rain is still possible, improved conditions will return for the evening commute.

Lower temperatures will cause snow levels to fall on Tuesday. Snow is expected to accumulate as low as 400 meters (1,300 feet) across South Island and to around 800 meters (2,600 feet) on North Island. While most heavily populated areas are below these elevations, some travel across higher terrain will be impacted.

Snowfall will be heavy in higher elevations with upwards of a meter (about 3 feet) falling in some alpine areas.

Wednesday will be another day with a gusty wind across the country, though it will not be as windy as on Tuesday. Some ferry and air travel could be delayed during the morning, though conditions are expected to improve as the day progresses.

Colder air spreading across the country in the wake of the storm will result in the coldest day since September for many locations on Wednesday.

Another, less potent storm is expected to bring more rain across the country during the end of the week.

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