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• The largest weather system of the year is currently hitting the country.
• MetService extended its weather warnings and watches this morning, as the widespread ‘atmospheric river’ bears down.
• A “distressed” Auckland sailor had to be rescued amid three-metre swells overnight, while Nelson rivers have approached flood level.

Auckland Coastguard rescuers were forced to brace three-metre swells and 40-knot winds after a woman was left stranded on a yacht during overnight’s wild weather.

Heavy rain and strong gusts bore down on the country this morning, the worst of it hitting Auckland during rush hour this morning.

Coastguard Hibiscus skipper Reg Werner said they received a call from a distressed sailor at 11.45pm last night.

The man told rescuers he had been unable to return to his boat off Tindalls Beach because of the wild weather leaving his partner stranded on board with no means of escape.

“As it began to drag its anchor, her distress escalated, prompting a call for help.”

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Werner said his crew had to brave three-metre swells and 40-knot northeasterly gusts on board the Hibiscus Rescue One through the Whangaparāoa Passage.

“A trip that would normally take just 20 minutes took over an hour due to the extreme conditions.”

When the group finally made it to the woman, she was uninjured but “quite distressed”.

“The return trip proved equally gruelling, with rough seas taking a toll on both the yachtie and some of the crew.

“Despite the challenging conditions, the volunteers safely returned to Gulf Harbour Marina at 3:30am.”

Werner reminded boaties to always check the forecasts and ensure they have a reliable form of communication onboard.

“The sailor ashore made the right call by seeking advice early – it’s always better to be safe than sorry. We’re here to help, no matter the situation.”

Saturated commute

Aucklanders faced a morning commute through downpours as New Zealand’s largest weather system of the year brought “intense rainfall” during rush hour today.

A heavy rain watch came into effect last night, with forecaster MetService warning rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria as the widespread “atmospheric weather” bears down.

An orange heavy rain warning remains in effect for Northland – where peak rainfall amounts of 15 to 25mm/h were expected overnight and total amounts of up to 200mm before this afternoon.

“The heaviest rain is expected overnight in Northland and Friday morning around commute time for Auckland, extending to other areas throughout the day,” MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said yesterday.

The forecaster warned that morning rain could lead to wet roads and slower traffic and advised commuters to allow extra travel time and drive to the conditions.

Meanwhile, a raft of other severe weather warnings and watches have been issued across the country from the top of the North Island to the South Island’s Westland District.

Heavy rain warnings are in place for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Tongariro National Park, Mt Taranaki and Tararua Range in the North Island throughout Friday.

Severe weather watches have also been issued for Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, North Taranaki and Great Barrier Island.

Areas in the Tasman district recorded more than 100mm of rain between 12.01am and 1pm on Thursday. At the Paradise Peak weather station, 113mm had fallen, followed by 106mm at the Perry Saddle station.

“This could be a significant rain event for the Tasman districts,” MetService said earlier.

Forecaster Niwa said heavy rain would end on Friday morning for the South Island.

The Tasman District Council was warning residents that slips and flooding could affect vital roads.

Meanwhile, areas in the Tasman district recorded more than 100mm of rain between 12.01am and 1pm on Thursday. At the Paradise Peak weather station, 113mm had fallen, followed by 106mm at the Perry Saddle station. 

“This could be a significant rain event for the Tasman districts,” MetService said earlier. 

Forecaster Niwa said heavy rain would end on Friday morning for the South Island. 

The Tasman District Council was warning residents that slips and flooding could affect vital roads. 

“Isolated heavy bursts are possible and could result in more significant flooding in small creeks and surface flooding. Expect some slipping to occur in prone areas. 

“Rainfall is forecast to be highest toward the end of the event when catchments are soaked.” 

On the West Coast, State Highway 6 between Haast and Lake Moeraki was closed overnight due to forecast “severe weather conditions”. It was set to reopen at 8am today, subject to inspections. 

The Grey District Council on the West Coast was providing sandbags to “anyone in need” on Thursday afternoon. 

“If you’re concerned about flooding, please feel free to come by and pick them up. Stay safe and prepared,” a post on social media read. 

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris told RNZ’s Checkpoint on Thursday afternoon that Hokitika had more rain in the prior 24 hours than it received during March.