North Island residents are being warned to watch for wild winds across the day, while southern regions prepare for intense rain. Photo / Bevan ConleyStrong winds are beginning to buffet the lower half of the North Island as torrential rain starts falling in the South Island. The country's weather service issued its third-ever red warning for Buller and Westland, north of Fox Glacier, from 9pm last night to 6am on Saturday. The red warning – reserved only for the most impactful weather events – was issued in consultation with Civil Defence and regional authorities. The Insurance Council of New Zealand is warning West Coasters to check their property now for the wild weather starting to hit the region.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 15, 2021 19:22 UTC