Heading away for the last week of school holidays? 🚗
Before you hit the road:
✅ Check weather forecasts
✅ Pack warm clothing
✅ Carry a phone charger
✅ Let someone know your travel plans
✅ Keep water and snacks in your vehicle
A little preparation can help keep your journey both safe, and enjoyable!

UPDATE FOR METSERVICE: 3:55pm
Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been lifted for Westland radar area
The Severe Thunderstorm has moved inland and weakened, so the Warning is lifted.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Issued by MetService at 03:24 pm Wednesday 15 July 2026.
Valid until 04:15 pm Wednesday 15 July 2026.

This warning affects people in the following local government areas: GREY and WESTLAND.

At 03:15 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near GREYMOUTH, OFFSHORE GREYMOUTH and RUNANGA.

These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the eastsoutheast, and are expected to lie near GREYMOUTH, LAKE BRUNNER and MOANA at 03:45 pm and near INCHBONNIE, LAKE BRUNNER and KOPARA at 04:15 pm.

These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by large hail, possible tornadoes and frequent lightning.

Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous.

Tornadoes can blow out windows, lift roofs, break large branches off trees, generate dangerous flying debris and blow vehicles off the road.

Frequent lightning is dangerous to people and livestock, especially those exposed outdoors or on the water, and can cause power surges and damage to electrical equipment.

The National Emergency Management Agency advises that as storms approach you should:
- Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;
- Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;
- Get back to land, if outdoors on the water;
- Move cars under cover or away from trees;
- Secure any loose objects around your property;
- Check that drains and gutters are clear;
- Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.
During and after the storm, you should also:
- Beware of fallen trees and power lines;
- Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.

This warning is due to be updated or lifted by 04:15 pm Wednesday 15 July 2026.

https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

Good morning, Coasters,

MetService New Zealand has upgraded the Yellow Wind Watch to an Orange Wind Warning for the entire West Coast, south of Westport.

Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Period: 24hrs from 9am Mon, 6 Jul - 9am Tue, 7 Jul
Area: The West Coast south of Westport
Forecast: Severe gale southeast winds gusting 130 km/h in about exposed valleys. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.
Issued: 10:00am Mon 6 Jul
Next update: 9:00pm Mon 6 Jul
Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.

Good afternoon, West Coasters,

There is an Orange Heavy Rain Warning issued by MetService New Zealand for the Ranges of Westland from 3am Sat to 3am Sun.

Please see the attached forecast below.
Thanks

This is NZ Volunteers Week and the team at West Coast Emergency Management wanted to recognise the volunteers that we work with right across the West Coast. The work of responding to and preparing for emergencies is hugely reliant on community volunteers willing to step up and support their part of our region. Please accept our thanks and acknowledgment for the important role you all play as volunteers in supporting our communities.
From our Team to you - THANK YOU for your commitment to emergency management.