Weather warnings issued for heavy rain, snow and gales
Saturday 26 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated In this story MetService
A fast-moving weather front has brought heavy rain, snow and severe gales to parts of New Zealand. Orange warnings were issued for heavy rain in the Tararua Range, snow in the Canterbury High Country, and strong winds in the lower North Island. Some areas recorded wind gusts of up to 157km/h.
Key facts
5 facts
- Orange heavy rain warning for the Tararua Range
- Orange heavy snow warning for Canterbury High Country
- Orange strong wind warnings for Wellington, Wairarapa, Tararua District, and Hawke's Bay
- Wind gusts of up to 120km/h forecast for exposed areas
- Snow accumulation of 10cm to 15cm expected in Canterbury High Country
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
A fast-moving weather front is bringing heavy rain, snow, and strong winds to parts of New Zealand. The weather system is expected to move through relatively quickly, with meteorologist Samkelo Magwala noting that a high-pressure system in the Tasman Sea may provide a settled start to the next working week.
In the lower North Island, orange strong wind warnings are in place for Wellington, Wairarapa, the Tararua District, and Hawke's Bay south of Hastings. Wellington has faced gusts of up to 120km/h, with a recorded gust of 157km/h at Cape Turnagain and 130km/h at Castlepoint.
The Tararua Range is under an orange heavy rain warning, with 60mm to 90mm of rain forecast. MetService warned that conditions could cause surface flooding, slips, and rapid rises in rivers and streams.
In the South Island, an orange heavy snow warning is in place for the Canterbury High Country and plains near the foothills south of Arthur's Pass. Snowfall between 10cm and 15cm is expected to settle above 400m, with lesser amounts down to 200m.
How it developed
- Sun 27 Sep, 10:25amWind gusts of 157km/h were recorded at Cape Turnagain and 130km/h at Castlepoint.
Where reports differ
- The Tararua Range rain forecast varies between 60mm and 90mm and 40mm to 60mm.
- The timing for the Tararua Range rain warning is reported as 5am to 3pm, 4am to 2pm, or 10am to 3pm.
Compiled from reports by 1News, Stuff and RNZ.