Parts of the South Island are bracing for a wet and blustery Monday as multiple orange heavy rain and strong wind warnings and watches have been issued by MetService.
South Island Weather Warnings
An active front, preceded by strong moist northerlies, is moving across the South Island on Monday, followed by showery westerlies.
Orange heavy rain warnings are in effect for several areas. The Westland Ranges could receive 160–200mm of rain from Monday morning through early Tuesday. Fiordland may experience up to 150mm of rainfall during the day, and the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago are also expected to see significant falls, with up to 180mm near the main divide.
Residents are warned that streams and rivers may rise quickly, potentially causing surface flooding and slips. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and avoid low-lying areas.
Severe gales are forecast for Fiordland and the Canterbury High Country, with wind gusts potentially reaching 120km/h. A strong wind watch is also in place for Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, inland Southland, Clutha and Dunedin.
MetService cautions that the strong winds could cause damage to trees and powerlines, and create hazardous driving conditions, particularly for high-sided vehicles.
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
- Ranges of the Westland District – in effect from 9am Monday until 3am Tuesday.
- Headwaters of Canterbury Lakes and Rivers (south of Arthur’s Pass) – in effect from 3pm Monday until 3am Tuesday.
- Headwaters of Otago Lakes and Rivers – in effect from 10am until 7pm Monday.
- Fiordland (north of Doubtful Sound) – in effect from 6am until 4pm Monday.
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
- Canterbury High Country – in effect from 9am Monday until 3am Tuesday.
- Fiordland – in effect from 4am until 2pm Monday.
Strong Wind Watch
- Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, inland Southland, Clutha and Dunedin – in effect from 6am until 4pm Monday.
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