Red Wind Warning Issued for Canterbury as Gales Up to 150km/h Expected

Severe Weather Alert for Canterbury

MetService, New Zealand's national weather authority, has issued a rare red strong wind warning for parts of the Canterbury region, effective from 10pm Saturday, September 20th, until 3pm Sunday, September 21st. The warning forecasts severe northwesterly gales, with damaging gusts expected to reach up to 150 km/h in exposed areas.

The affected areas include Canterbury about and west of the foothills and west of State Highway 1 (SH1), south of the Rakaia River. This highest level of weather alert signifies a significant threat to life and property, prompting urgent advice for residents to take immediate precautions.

Expected Impacts and Advisories

The destructive winds are anticipated to cause widespread damage, including to powerlines and roofs, and pose a threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Driving conditions are expected to be extremely dangerous, leading to significant disruption to transport and power supply across the region.

In response to the severe forecast, authorities have issued strong advisories. Canterbury Emergency Management urged residents and visitors to 'prepare now' and take the warning seriously. Specific recommendations include:

• Staying indoors and seeking sturdy shelter away from trees.
• Avoiding all unnecessary travel during the warning period.
• Charging devices and preparing for potential power and communication outages.
• Securing outdoor items and checking properties for anything that could become airborne.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has also advised motorists to avoid travel in the warned areas due to the hazardous conditions.

MetService's Stance on Red Warnings

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane emphasized that a red warning 'signifies that people need to act now as immediate action is required to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather.' This event marks the third red warning issued by MetService this year and the 18th since the highest alert level was introduced in May 2019, highlighting the severity and potential widespread impacts of the impending weather system. Meteorologist Michael Pawley further detailed that severe gale northwesterlies were expected to reach 150km/h in exposed places.