MetService has issued a series of new severe weather alerts for Labour Day, warning that a powerful storm system will impact much of New Zealand as it moves across the country from the Tasman Sea.
Orange warnings for heavy rain and strong winds are in place for parts of both the North and South Islands, with further watches likely to follow as conditions worsen.
Hundreds of homes in Southland remain without power following days of wild weather, and authorities say some residents may be left in the dark until late next week. A state of emergency continues for Southland and Clutha districts and is expected to stay in effect well into next week while recovery efforts continue.
Several highways across the South Island remain closed due to slips, flooding, and fallen trees, with motorists urged to avoid unnecessary travel.
In a social media update, MetService said a “significant storm” was set to hit much of the country on Labour Day and Tuesday, bringing widespread disruption. “As an active low-pressure system moves across Aotearoa New Zealand from the Tasman Sea, warnings and watches are in force,” the agency stated.
Authorities are advising the public to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and follow instructions from local emergency management officials as the system continues to sweep across the country.
Check the MetService website for latest updates.
🌧️🌬️❄️Significant storm to impact much of New Zealand on Labour Day.
As an active low pressure system moves across Aotearoa New Zealand from the Tasman Sea during Labour Day and Tuesday.
🟡🟠Warnings, Watches in force.
Details herehttps://t.co/qHyE5zzql5@NZcivildefence… pic.twitter.com/1iMayTDB3O
— MetService (@MetService) October 25, 2025
Like stop already, we can look out the window and see. They need to be sacked, and need to make stuff up to pretend they are providing value.
Right. Every spring in the history of New Zealand has been windy and wet.
These doom goblins , we’re not buying your bs anymore