Hazards

Common questions about storms and cyclones in New Zealand.

New Zealand faces a variety of hazards associated with undersea geological activity.

Heavy rainfall is one of the most frequent and widespread severe weather hazards to affect New Zealand.

Due to its position in the 'Roaring Forties', a belt of strong winds in the Southern Hemisphere which generally occur between the latitudes of 40 and 49 degrees, as well as its small size, New Zealand is a windy country.

New Zealand has low-lying coastal areas that are vulnerable to inundation (flooding) by the sea.

New Zealand faces a variety of hazards associated with snow.