Drivers in the lower North and upper South Islands need to brace themselves for a burst of bad weather due to hit tomorrow afternoon and evening (Friday, 2 February).
The Metservice has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Wellington and Wairarapa for tomorrow afternoon and evening. Severe northwest gales with gusts of up to 120 km/h are forecast.
Drivers must take special care on exposed routes such as SH2 Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on SH1 Transmission Gully. It particularly applies to motorcyclists, trucks, vans, and towing vehicles.
For the South Island, a Strong Wind Watch applies to the Marlborough Sounds from noon to 7 pm and may affect traffic travelling on SH1 between Picton and Blenheim.
A heavy rain watch is in force for Tasman west of Takaka from late morning to early evening, including Nelson Lakes National Park. Drivers travelling on SH60 in Tākaka/Golden Bay and SH6 - Kawatiri to the West Coast must be prepared for wet weather driving conditions.
Road users are urged to drive to the conditions, be ready for hazards, and allow for extra travel time.
The weather will coincide with afternoon peak travel times. Urban commuters and people heading away for the Waitangi Day holiday should drive accordingly – be ready for wind-blown debris and tree falls, increase your following distances, and use your headlights if visibility is poor.
Bad weather can cause roads to close at short notice. Drivers should check the weather and road conditions before they travel.
