West Coast rain

West Coast Weather Chaos: Rain, Thunderstorms, and State of Emergency

Prepare for a wild ride as West Coast residents face heavy rain, thunderstorms, and emergency declarations! 🌧️⛈️ #WeatherAlert #WestCoast

The West Coast of New Zealand is experiencing weather chaos, with residents in Westland advised to prepare for possible evacuations at short notice. A local State of Emergency has been declared for the area between Hokitika and Haast, with a red heavy rain alert in place until Saturday morning. The situation escalated quickly, leading to road closures and a call for preparedness.

Fortunately, the state of emergency in Westland has now been lifted as the weather conditions ease and roads reopen, bringing some relief to the affected communities. Civil Defence took swift action to ensure the safety of residents during this turbulent time. Meanwhile, in Hawkes Bay, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued by MetService, adding to the unpredictable nature of New Zealand's weather patterns.

The heavy rain warnings in Westland prompted the closure of State Highway 6 from Ross to Makarora, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Travellers were urged to seek shelter in the nearest township by a specified time, highlighting the importance of following safety instructions during extreme weather events. Despite the challenges faced, Westland's mayor, Helen Lash, commended the region for successfully weathering the storm and avoiding the worst of the forecasted heavy rainfall.

As the Westland state of emergency is lifted and residents breathe a sigh of relief, it serves as a reminder of the resilience and preparedness required to navigate unpredictable weather conditions. The rapid response by authorities and the community's cooperation played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the severe weather. The events in Westland and Hawkes Bay underscore the importance of staying informed, staying safe, and coming together in times of crisis.