The penultimate week of winter kicks off with forecasts of disruptive winds and heavy rain for many parts of Aotearoa.
Metservice has issued a number of severe weather warnings and watches across the country with heavy rain and winds set for the Top of the South.
A Heavy Rain Warning is in place for Nelson west of Motueka, Nelson Lakes and Buller with between 100 and 130mm of rain expected to accumulate about the ranges.
Peak intensities of 10 to 15mm per hour could occur especially in possible thunderstorms. The warning is in place from 9pm Monday through to 1am Wednesday.
A Road Snowfall warning is in place for SH7 Lewis Pass with snow expected down to 700 metres on Tuesday morning.
Metservice warns that periods of snow are likely until Wednesday morning. During this time, 2 to 5cm of snow may accumulate near the summit with lesser amounts down to 700 metres.
A Strong Wind Watch is in place for Nelson west of Motueka, Buller and Hokitika until 2am Tuesday with north to north west winds potentially approaching gale force.
The wild weather calms down by mid-week, with the best day to be outdoors being Wednesday in the South Island and Thursday in the North Island.
Another front on Friday continues the unsettled weather before what currently looks like a calmer weekend to come.
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
