Warnings of wild weather

Howling winds reached 140kmh last night as thunderstorms swept over the country and almost every region was issued with warnings or weather watches.

MetService warned the wild weather could be a ‘‘significant event’’ with potentially damaging winds across much of the country, but especially in the lower North Island and Bay of Plenty.

Heavy rain is expected from Mt Taranaki across to Tongariro National Park, including the Whanganui hill country and Taumarunui.

Snow is forecast today on the Lewis, Arthur’s, Porters, Lindis and Haast passes, as well as on the Milford Road.

Heavy swells along western coasts could cause erosion in vulnerable areas, MetService warned.

The foul weather hit Wellington just in time for the Hurricanes Super Rugby match against the Sharks. But it wasn’t enough to put the home team off their game. The Hurricanes booked their place in next week’s semifinals with a 41-0 hammering.