Alert opened: 11 Nov 2026
MetService Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Issued at 8:39am Wed 11 Nov 2026
Area: Dunedin, Clutha
Valid: 5hrs from 2pm - 7pm Wed, 11 Nov
A showery unstable airmass is expected to develop over the lower South Island this afternoon and evening.
For southern Southland, and inland parts of Clutha and Dunedin, there is a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms with localised downpours of 25-40 mm per hour. Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
Note: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor the Metservice website https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.
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.
Affected districts
Know where you can find up to date information
Maniototo Burn - 92.3 FM/729 AM
More FM - 90.3 FM / 94.3 FM
RNZ National - 101.5 FM/639 AM
Newstalk ZB - 89.6 FM / 95.1 FM / 90.6 FM
Radio Central - 91.9 FM (Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell), 94.3FM (Teviot Valley), 104.3 FM (Maniototo)
Radio Live - 95.9 FM
Radio Wanaka - 92.2 FM
The Hits - 99.9 FM
More FM - 93.7 FM (South Otago from Clinton), 92.9 FM (Balclutha),
107.1 FM (from Lawrence).
Hokonui - 94.8 FM (Southland), 91.3 FM & 88.3 FM (South Otago),
95.2FM (West Otago)
RNZ National - 101.4 FM / 810 AM
Radio Dunedin - 1305 AM, 95.4 & 106.7FM
More FM - 97.4 FM
The Hits - 89.4 FM
The Breeze - 98.2 FM
Magic Talk - 96.6 FM
Newstalk ZB - 1044 AM
RNZ National - 101.4 FM
RNZ National - 810 AM
OAR FM - 105.4 FM, 1575 AM
Queenstown Lakes - Queenstown
More FM - 92 FM
The Hits - 90.4 FM
Newstalk ZB - 89.6 FM
RNZ National - 101.6 FM/1134 AM
Queenstown Lakes - Wanaka
Radio Wanaka - 92.2 FM
More FM - 99.4 FM
The Hits - 96.2 FM
RNZ - 101.0 FM
Newstalk ZB 90.6 FM
More FM - 100 FM
RNZ National - 101.4 FM & 810 AM
Newstalk ZB - 1395 AM
Oamaru Heritage Radio - 88.3 & 107 FM
Real- 104FM
The Hits - 98.4 FM
Oamaru FM - 91.2FM
The Breeze- 97.6 FM
Puketapu Radio - 756 AM
