Severe Thunderstorm Watch

MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Canterbury from 1:30pm - 9pm today, Friday 23 January.

There is a moderate risk of a few of these thunderstorms becoming SEVERE, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h or large hail in excess of 2 cm in diameter.

Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, as well as make driving conditions hazardous.

Please remember:

  • If it's flooded - forget it!
  • Stay home in extremely adverse conditions where possible
  • If you need to travel please drive to the conditions
  • Drivers should expect surface flooding and drive accordingly
  • Clean out gutters and drains
  • Prepare sandbags if your home is prone to flooding
  • Keep up to date with the MetService website.

Road closures:

Keep an eye out on road closures here. 

Power outages

If you're affected visit  - https://mainpower.co.nz/no-power
You can see a map view of power outages here - https://outages.mainpower.co.nz/

How to report an issue

You can report issues to us quickly and easily via our website.

If your query is urgent please call us on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV).

Expect thunderstorm activity to ease tonight.