Kiwis in parts of the South Island and the lower North Island should prepare for heavy rain and gales from tomorrow morning, MetService says.
The forecaster has issued watches and warnings as an active front moves across the South Island from Wednesday through to Friday.
Tasman District northwest of Motueka, Westland District ranges, Otago lake and river headwaters and Fiordland about and north of Doubtful Sound were all issued an orange heavy rain warning.
These areas were predicted to receive between 100mm and 220mm of rain, with peak rates of 15-25mm/h.
“Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions [are] possible,” MetService said.
Richmond and Bryant ranges — including the Rai Valley — Marlborough Sounds, Buller and Grey District ranges and Canterbury lake and river headwaters about and south of Arthur’s Pass were all issued with a heavy rain watch.
A strong wind watch was also issued for Marlborough Sounds and Wellington, with northwest winds that may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Canterbury High Country and Marlborough south of Seddon, the Queenstown Lakes District, Central Otago, Southland about and north of Lumsden, and Fiordland were also in line for strong winds.
Full list of watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Tasman District northwest of Motueka – 30 hours from midnight Wednesday.
The ranges of Westland District – 27 hours from 9am Wednesday.
Headwaters of the Otago Lakes and Rivers – 18 hours from midday Wednesday.
Fiordland about and north of Doubtful Sound – 21 hours from 9am Wednesday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Richmond and Bryant Ranges including the Rai Valley, also the Marlborough Sounds – 48 hours from midnight Wednesday.
The ranges of Buller District – 18 hours from 3am Wednesday.
The ranges of Grey District – 24 hours from midnight Wednesday.
Headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers about and south of Arthur’s Pass – 18 hours from 3pm Wednesday.
Strong Wind Watch
Marlborough Sounds and Wellington – 18 hours from 3am Wednesday.
Canterbury High Country and Marlborough south of Seddon – 24 hours from midday Wednesday.
The Queenstown Lakes District, Central Otago and Southland about and north of Lumsden – 15 hours from midday Wednesday.
Fiordland – 18 hours from 6am Wednesday.
