Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to affect parts of New Zealand over the next three days, prompting MetService to issue orange severe weather warnings for parts of the South Island and central New Zealand.
According to a report by Stuff, the unsettled conditions are being driven by a weather front moving slowly northwards across the country, bringing the risk of significant rainfall, flooding and damaging winds.
Westland is expected to bear the brunt of the heavy rain, with up to 400mm forecast between noon on Sunday and 1 pm on Monday. Rainfall rates could reach 30 to 40mm an hour on Monday morning, particularly around the ranges.
Further heavy rain is forecast for the headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers, around and south of Arthur’s Pass, during the 24 hours from 2 pm Sunday. MetService expects 300 to 400mm of rain near the main divide, with 100 to 160mm possible within 20km further east, as reported by Stuff.
The Grey District ranges are also expected to receive 100 to 130mm of rain between 10 pm Sunday and 2 pm Monday.
Meanwhile, an orange heavy rain warning is in place for the ranges of the Buller District from 3 am to 5 pm Monday. Between 90 and 130mm of rain is forecast, with peak hourly rates of 20 to 30mm expected on Monday morning and early afternoon.
In the North Island, the Tararua Ranges north of Wellington are under an orange heavy rain warning from 3 pm Monday until 4 am Tuesday, with 100 to 150mm of rain possible, as reported by Stuff.
MetService has also issued a strong wind watch, warning that northwesterly winds could approach severe gale strength in exposed areas of Wellington and Wairarapa, south of Masterton, between midday and 8 pm Monday, Stuff has reported.
Similar conditions are possible in the Canterbury High Country from 10pm Sunday until 10am Monday.
Authorities are warning motorists to remain alert to possible flooding, slips and debris on roads as the weather system moves across the country.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi said road crews would be deployed and “ready to respond to any flooding affecting the state highways, or any slips and debris blocking the roads,” as quoted by Stuff.
The agency has advised drivers to consider adjusting their speed and following distances, avoid sudden braking and ensure their vehicles remain visible.
“People should also avoid travelling through floodwaters where the depth is unclear or there may be hidden obstructions,” a statement from NZTA said, Stuff has quoted.
Motorcyclists, people towing vehicles and drivers of high-sided vehicles, including campervans, have also been urged to exercise extra caution due to the forecast strong winds.