Taranaki towns cut off by floods, Auckland braces for 100km/h winds as storm moves north

A powerful tropical weather system has triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and road closures across New Zealand on Thursday, July 3. More than 30 weather watches and warnings are currently in place as an atmospheric river from the subtropics brings intense rain, gale-force winds, and thunderstorms to the upper North Island and the top of the South Island.

In the Tasman District, flooding and storm damage have caused communication outages across Golden Bay. While services have since been restored, authorities remain on high alert.

The state of civil emergency in Nelson-Tasman has been extended by another seven days, as the region braces for up to a month’s worth of rain over the next 48 hours.


Residents in Marlborough have been asked to avoid all non-essential travel as rainfall intensifies across the area.

Auckland is also experiencing heavy downpours and thunderstorms, with gusts expected to reach 100 km/h later today.

Further south, snow is falling across central Canterbury and central Otago, where a heavy snow watch remains in effect. Road snowfall warnings are also in place.

Taranaki is among the worst-hit regions so far. Surface flooding and major landslides have forced the closure of multiple roads, including sections of State Highway 45 and Tanghoe Valley Road.

SH3 between Awakino and Mahoenui, and SH45 between Kaihihi Road and Puniho Road, are also shut due to flooding and slips.

Emergency services responded to multiple vehicles, including a bus, trapped in floodwaters on SH3 in Stratford. Fire crews remain at the scene and are working on a safety plan. No injuries have been reported.

An emergency operations centre has been activated in New Plymouth. Mayor Neil Holden confirmed the region is facing extensive flooding, slips, and road blockages.

SH45 south of Ōkato and SH3 north of New Plymouth remain closed due to flooding.

Taranaki Civil Defence has urged residents to act quickly if they feel threatened. "Don’t wait for official warnings. Move to safety immediately," the agency warned as reported by the NZ Herald. It also advised against all non-essential travel.

Additional road closures include Maben Road, Morea Road, and SH24 in Matamata, where fallen trees have blocked access. The Eltham Bridge on Castle Street may also be closed soon if conditions worsen.

Authorities across the North Island expect further rain and thunderstorms into the night.