Severe weather

Including hail, tornado, wind, and snow

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:

  • destruction of buildings, including roofing being blown off, broken windows, and other flying debris
  • large scale forest damage and fallen trees or branches falling onto powerlines
  • high-sided vehicles and outdoor equipment (e.g. outdoor furniture, trampolines, irrigators) being blown over
  • tall buildings and transmission lines can suffer structural failures.

What can I do prepare my property for a severe storm?

  • Develop a Household Emergency Plan(external link) and make sure you have a getaway kit(external link). 
  • Prepare your property for high winds.
  • Secure large heavy objects or remove any item(s) which could become a deadly or damaging missile.
  • Get your roof checked regularly to make sure it is secure.
  • List items that may need to be secured or moved indoors when strong winds are forecast.
  • Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
  • If you are renovating or building, make sure all work complies with the New Zealand Building Code which has specific standards to minimise storm damage.
  • More information on how to prepare can be found on the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence website(external link).  

Where can I find more information?

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