Severe weather events can be localised or affect large areas of our district. Major storms can be accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain, hail, snow, thunder and lightning, tornadoes and rough seas.
Severe weather can cause damage to property and infrastructure, affect crops and livestock, disrupt essential services and endanger lives.
On Boxing Day 2020 severe thunderstorms hit an area from Lower Moutere and Motueka through to Abel Tasman National Park, bringing heavy rain and hail. Hail pelted the Lower Moutere and Motueka area for over half an hour causing millions of dollars of damage to horticultural crops and severely damaging homes and buildings.
Street in Motueka following the 2020 Boxing Day hailstorm
Street in Motueka following the 2020 Boxing Day hailstorm.
More recently, on 10 April 2023 a tornado struck an area of Upper Moutere, damaging more than 20 houses and downing trees. The tornado was part of a short and violet series of thunderstorms that passed through the district at the time.
During a severe weather event, typical damage can include:
What can I do prepare my property for a severe storm?
Where can I find more information?
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