Categories
0 A wintry blast lines up the country.
A cold snap this weekend will drop temperatures considerably across both islands A trough originating from the polar vortex is likely to produce Wintery weather from Friday and across the weekend. Expect strong cold SW winds, heavy showers with embedded hail and breaks of sunshine. Keep the winter gear handy, especially on Saturday. If you're driving inland South Island roads, please always check ahead due to the possibility of roads being affected by snow and ICE. To get our News or Emergency Alerts CLICK HERE Images and information from Hauraki Gulf Weather and Windy.com
0 Lert Info News - Fast, Reliable Information
In an emergency like storms, you want good-quality, fast supportive information to our alerts. Lert Info can now send exclusive news that run alongside alerts. It could be pictures of flooding , washed out bridges, maps of alternate roads when there has been a road major closure (like Kaikoura recently ), and a whole lot more. Our news reaches you within minutes, and is geographically targeted, so you only get news articles for your location. To be included, Click Here (Free) . This is part of our alert service. Select Low Level and "Public-News". You'll also get the added bonus of actual alerts when they occur for your area. Cheers Lert Team
0 Road Toll Spikes. 18 killed in 14 crashes
The police are disappointed at the concerning number of deaths on our roads over the past fortnight, as they highlight the importance of safe driving behaviours every day. Inspector Peter McKennie, acting Director of Road Policing, says since Monday, 20 April, 18 people have been killed in 14 separate crashes. As of this morning, May 1st 2023, 12 more lives were lost on New Zealand roads so far this year compared to the same point last year. The Police are extremely frustrated due to the fact many of these deaths could have been avoided with safer driving behaviours. Everyone should be extremely concerned about the rate of people being killed on New Zealand roads. Preliminary findings highlighted that 16 of the 18 deaths over the past ten days occurred on open roads with 100km/h speed limits and no traffic safety barriers. As a driver, never underestimate the decisions you make. They can affect not only you and those in your vehicle, but also everyone involved in the crashes. We all think we're good drivers, but at 100kph, a moment's inattention could be fatal. ALWAYS expect that oncoming vehicles will do the unexpected. If a car is riding your bumper, pull over and let them pass, don't play chicken! Buckle up before you travel, Don't get behind the wheel if you’re impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue. Staying fully focused on the road without any distractions. Take a break every couple of hours if needed If you're a commercial driver, check out Road lert Info . It's NZ's only National Txt Road alert service for everyone.
0 Weather event update April 19th 2026
Overnight weather that has lashed the North Island. As of today, Sunday, April 19, the North Island is emerging from a significant weather event that brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and localized flooding over the last 24 hours. The focus is now shifting from an active front to a large, complex low-pressure system. Current Weather Situation Rain and Thunderstorms: The active front that crossed the island yesterday continues to trigger heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms. Areas in the upper North Island (Northland to Waitomo) and central regions (Coromandel, Bay of Plenty) are seeing periods of rain that should ease into more scattered showers by tonight. Severe Warnings: While many of the most intense rain warnings have expired, a Heavy Rain Watch remains in place for the eastern Bay of Plenty (east of Rotorua) for the remainder of today. Wind: Severe gale northwest winds were a concern overnight for exposed parts of Wellington, Wairarapa, and Taranaki. These are expected to shift to the southeast as the low-pressure system develops. Impacts and Infrastructure Auckland Region: Auckland Transport has reported over 70 incidents related to slips, flooding, and fallen trees in the last 24 hours. While 68 of these hazards have been cleared, several local roads remain under watch or restricted: Tauhoa Road (Tauhoa): One lane closure due to a slip. Kawakawa-Orere Road (Kawakawa Bay): Lanes reduced due to worsening ground conditions. Auckland Harbour Bridge: A wind watch was in place overnight, and commuters are advised to check for potential restrictions if gusts pick up again this evening. State Highways: NZTA (Waka Kotahi) reports that most major North Island routes are currently open, but surface flooding and debris have been reported on SH1 near Drury and SH16 near Kaukapakapa. Live map click here The 24-Hour Outlook The weather isn't completely settled yet. The low-pressure system is expected to linger through Monday, April 20, bringing: Continued Rain: Low confidence for warning-level rain in the eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, and Hawke's Bay. Wind Surge: Southeast gales could develop tomorrow in Wellington and the Kapiti Coast as the system moves further east. If you're heading out, it’s worth keeping an eye on the NZTA Journey Planner for any fresh slips that might appear as the ground remains saturated. For real-time alerts, Lert Info is NZ's most comprehensive alert service, often with exclusive information. Click Here
As of Monday morning, February 16, 2026, a major storm system is actively battering the lower North Island and upper South Island. Several districts remain under a State of Emergency, and reports from the last few hours (roughly 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM NZDT) highlight significant infrastructure damage and widespread disruption. Current Damage & Impact Reports 1. Infrastructure & Utilities Power Outages: Over 17,800 customers are currently without power across the PowerCo network, primarily in the Manawatū-Whanganui and Wairarapa regions. Wellington Wind Damage: An "extremely unusual" gust of 193 km/h was recorded in Wellington overnight. The City Council has received over 50 calls regarding fallen trees blocking major roads (notably Glenmore Street and Middleton Road). Sewage Discharge: Due to heavy rain, untreated sewage has been discharged via the Moa Point outfall. Residents are warned to stay off South Coast beaches. 2. Transport Disruptions Aviation: Air New Zealand has paused all flights in and out of Wellington, Napier, and Palmerston North as of 8:00 AM. Rail: Metlink has cancelled all Wellington train services until at least 10:00 AM to inspect tracks for debris and damage to overhead power lines. Roads: Multiple sections of State Highway 1 are closed. In the Waikato and Waipā regions, significant flooding and slips have made several local roads impassable. Ferries: All Cook Strait ferry crossings (Interislander and Bluebridge) remain cancelled for the day due to swells forecast to reach 7–8 meters. 3. Regional States of Emergency Local States of Emergency are currently active for the following districts: Manawatū Rangitīkei Tararua Waipā Ōtorohanga Safety Warnings for the Next 4 Hours Red Heavy Rain Warning: Remains in place for Manawatū, Rangitīkei, and Ruapehu (north of Feilding/east of SH1) until 3:00 PM today. Coastal Inundation: High tide (approx. 4:30 AM – 5:30 AM) has passed, but large waves (6m+) continue to pose a risk of coastal flooding and debris on roads along the Wellington South Coast and Wairarapa. Falling Debris: The public is urged to avoid forested areas, such as Wellington’s Town Belt, due to the high risk of falling branches and trees. Note: The storm's death toll was confirmed at one earlier this morning following a tragedy in the Waikato region involving a vehicle submerged in floodwaters. Source - Gemini Query (AI)
More heavy rain is on the way for already sodden Tasman. Although only for a day, it will put recovery from the last rain event, back. Amounts aren't clear at this stage (four days out) Stay up to date with Forecasts, especially from Weatherwatch - You Tube videos about 11 am each weekday - WeatherWatchTV Share with family and freinds. If they also want much earlier information , they can register for alerts at HERE . We'll send new rain watches/warnings from Metservice about possibly Tuesday.
0 Lake Wanaka Water Quality drops due to Faecal matter
Recent tests detected faecal matter in Lake Wānaka, raising concerns about water quality. Population growth, tourism, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to contamination, with reports of tourists toileting in the lake. Over five years, LAWA’s water quality rating dropped from "excellent" to "good," with E. coli levels fluctuating. Authorities plan $18 million in wastewater upgrades, while groups promote riparian buffers and reduced chemical use. Though the lake remains generally safe, E. coli poses health risks. Continued monitoring, infrastructure improvements, and responsible tourism are vital to preserving Lake Wānaka’s health and recreational value. For free, direct delivery alerts and important news click here
0 Much of the country sees a risk of Thunderstorms
A complex low pressure system with embedded rain-bands and cooling temperatures aloft means much of the country will be unstable today with thunderstorms expected in many areas. North Island - From southern Northland and Auckland southwards today, with the highest risk about the central North Island. Localised heavy rain and hail, along with strong wind gusts of 80-100 km/h in some areas. For areas south of Auckland, there is a low risk a few of the thunderstorms could be severe with localised downpours of 25-40mm/h and possibly one or two small tornadoes which could cause localised wind damage. For Bay of Plenty the risk of severe thunderstorms producing downpours is considered moderate and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is currently in force. Any localised downpours that occur may cause surface flooding and make driving conditions hazardous. There is also a low risk of thunderstorms for other parts of Northland until mid afternoon. South Island, Moderate risk of thunderstorms about many northern and central areas from Tasman/Nelson to Canterbury and North Otago, with a low risk elsewhere as indicated on the chart. These thunderstorms bring brief heavy rain 10-25 mm/h and small hail, along with a low risk of downpours. However, about inland parts of Mid and South Canterbury and North Otago, the risk of localised downpours of 20-40mm/h is considered moderate in the late afternoon and evening, and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for this area. Lert Info has already sent alerts. To get faster info if these T/Storms occur Click here . They're free.
0 Active Thunderstorms Wgtn-Horowhenua-Wairarapa
A severe T/Storm warning is in effect for the storm cluster at the upper right. To get our Lerts, Click Here
0 Lake Pukaki - water to be released
Announcement: Lake Pūkaki - water to be released from 10am Sunday 22 December. Lake Pūkaki is close to reaching its maximum level and we need to release water to make room for expected rainfall. From 10am this Sunday, we’ll begin a controlled release from the Pūkaki spillway into the dry Pūkaki riverbed. Please do not enter the riverbed over this period under any circumstances and obey all warning signs. Please remember that currents will be unpredicatable and river flows changing for the duration of this event. Water levels will increase gradually until around 70 cumecs of water are flowing. Due to expected rainfall, we have not established an end date for this release. Updates will be made via this page. If you see anyone at immediate risk of harm, please call 111 immediately. Want to get faster information and alerts - Click Here.
0 Wairarapa Total fire Ban Dec 18 Till Further Notice
Source - Wellington - Fire and Emergency All Wairarapa under total fire ban from today Fire and Emergency New Zealand has placed the entire Wairarapa in a prohibited fire season from 8am Wednesday 18 December, until further notice. A prohibited fire season means no out-door fires are allowed. Wellington District Community Risk Manager Phil Soal says despite the recent rain, the Wairarapa continues to rapidly dry out. “The rain’s had little effect, and, in these very dry conditions, fires start easily, move fast and are difficult to bring under control. “It’s much harder for Fire and Emergency to protect people, property and the environment when the fire danger is so high. “We have little option other than to move the whole region into a prohibited fire season.” Please be mindful of the dry conditions and avoid activities that can generate heat and/or sparks and cause fires. “Don’t mow the lawns, weld or grind, or use vehicles in long dry grass, particularly during the hottest parts of the day,” Phil Soal says. “These all have the potential to start a devastating wildfire.” You can find further safety advice at www.checkitsalright.nz Lert Info continually monitors for fires is often the first our subscribers will know. If you want to be included in our exclusive alert just register here . We could be your first time hearing.
0 Flooding on the West coast closes SH6 South of Punakaiki
It’s been a wet start to Monday on the West Coast with flooding South of Punakaiki as at 11:30am Monday Hokitika Airport had just over 80mm of rain in a twelve hour period , with 26mm falling between 2am and 3am. With the rain now stopped the water should recede fairly quickly. Please take extra care if you’re out on the roads this morning where ther has been heavy rain. There could be floodwaters/slips around the next corner. Not a Lertinfo member yet? Just Clickhere to register for NZ's only free email News/Emergency alert service.
Atmospheric instability due to the combination of a warm humid airmass in the north, and a cold front and upper cold trough moving northwards over central New Zealand. There's a moderate risk of thunderstorms for North Island locations with localised heavy rain of 10-25mm/h. There is also a low risk a few of the thunderstorms could be severe with localised downpours of 25-40mm/h (or possibly more). This risk may continue about eastern Bay of Plenty into the night. In the bottom half of the North Island and parts of the South Island, thunderstorms bring localised heavy rain of 10-25mm/h and hail (especially to Hawke's Bay in the evening where hailstones up to 2cm diameter are possible). Get information hours faster than Facebook. Set up real time email news click here Choose the “Basic” option, and you’ll also get FREE emergency alerts.
From SPCA Canterbury If you love them, don't leave them. It's a message we share time and time again, and this year, we're calling on you to help us spread that message further. Did you know that calls to SPCA about dogs left inside hot cars made up a whopping 11% of all welfare calls last summer? This is a completely preventable issue, and one which is causing hundreds of dogs (often loved pets) to suffer. Here are some quick facts to share with the dog owners in your life: The temperature inside a car can heat to over 50°C in less than 15 minutes. Parking in the shade and cracking windows does little to help on a warm day. Dogs rely on panting to keep cool, which they can't do in a hot car. This puts dogs at a high risk of heatstroke - a serious condition for dogs, with a mortality rate between 39%-50%. It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress. You can be fined, and prosecuted. SPCA has created downloadable resources to help you Click here We encourage you to use these - and ask your local businesses to display the posters if they can. Flyers can be kept in your car and handed out as needed. This is a community problem, and one we cannot solve alone. Help us to prevent more tragedies this summer by sharing this post. On behalf of the animals - thank you
0 Avoid a Vet Bill - Pavements will burn dogs paws
Hot footpaths can be extremely dangerous for dogs' feet. Since dogs lack the protective footwear that humans use, their paw pads are directly exposed to surfaces that can absorb and retain heat. Here’s what you need to know: How Hot is Too Hot? Asphalt, concrete, and other pavement materials can get significantly hotter than the air temperature. On a sunny day with an air temperature of 25°C, asphalt can reach 52°C, which is hot enough to burn skin. If the air temperature rises to 30°C, pavement can exceed 57°C, causing severe burns within seconds. Signs of Paw Pad Burns Limping or reluctance to walk Darkened, discolored, or blistered paw pads Redness, peeling, or visible raw skin Licking or chewing at the feet Whining or showing signs of discomfort The "7-Second Rule" Before walking your dog, press the back of your hand firmly against the pavement for 7 seconds: If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog's paws. Prevention Tips Walk During Cooler Hours Early morning or late evening walks are best to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Check the Ground Temperature Use the 7-second rule or invest in an infrared thermometer to measure the pavement's surface temperature. Stick to Grass or Shade Walk on grass, dirt trails, or shaded areas to reduce the risk of burns. Protective Gear Consider dog booties or paw wax to create a barrier between your dog’s feet and the hot surface. Paw Care Regularly check your dog’s paws for cracks or injuries. Moisturize with a pet-safe balm to keep pads healthy and less prone to damage. First Aid for Burnt Paws If you suspect your dog has burned paw pads: Immediately bring them to a cooler, shaded area. Gently clean the paws with cool water to remove debris. Avoid using ice, as it can damage tissues further. Apply a cold compress or wrap paws in a damp cloth. Contact a veterinarian for further treatment and pain relief. Additional Risks Beyond burns, walking on hot surfaces can lead to heat exhaustion, especially in breeds with thick coats or short snouts. When in Doubt Err on the side of caution. If the weather feels uncomfortably warm for you, it's likely worse for your dog. For FREE Emergency Alerts and News - click here Choose the “Basic” option unless you want Txt alerts during emergencies
Lert Info has been designed to provide safety alerts for the public. It is a private company that gets no Government funding.
It’s arguably NZ’s most comprehensive and advanced alert service.
We have our own Meteorological technician, our own programmers and our own networker who are passionate that you have the best service
96, London Street, Dunedin,
New Zealand
Email: 027 733 8528
Email: Stuart@Lert.co.nz
© Lert Info all rights reserved-2024