Heavy Rain, Strong Winds Trigger Warnings South Island, Lower North

Severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, are impacting parts of the UK and New Zealand. In New Zealand, the South Island and lower North Island face orange-level heavy rain warnings with up to 200mm of rain expected in some areas and strong winds reaching 120 to 130 km/h, leading to risks of flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions. In the UK, a yellow weather warning covers most of England and Wales, with gusts of 60-70 mph causing travel disruptions, power interruptions, and cancellations of ferry services such as Red Funnel's Red Jets and hovercrafts on the Isle of Wight. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has also canceled or rescheduled ferry sailings due to strong winds. The Met Office advises securing outdoor items and preparing for possible damage and delays to transport services. These combined weather events highlight a period of unsettled conditions requiring caution and preparedness across affected regions.