Regions hit by flooding this week should brace for a
possible repeat this weekend, according to weather analyst
Philip Duncan.
"Computer models for the next seven days indicate that a
series of fronts and lows are going to bring more heavy rain
into sodden western areas of both islands," said Mr Duncan,
WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst.
Areas of Wanganui, Manawatu, Horowhenua and Wairarapa were
lashed by wind and rain this week. Slips, surface flooding
and swollen river levels on Monday caused dangerous driving
conditions and drowned paddocks, prompting farmers in Tararua
district to carry stricken stock to higher ground.
Wanganui District Council infrastructure manager Julian
Reweti said yesterday the city's main stormwater pipes were
at full capacity.
Up to 300mm of rain fell in the Tararua Ranges, with up to
100mm in low-lying areas around Pahiatua, 64km northeast of
Masterton.
Mr Duncan said that after a winter that was dominated by
easterlies and flooding events in the east, the first month
of spring looked set to reverse that trend, switching the
pattern to the west.
A low-pressure system would push down over northern and
central parts of New Zealand today and tomorrow, bringing
more rain from Northland to Manawatu and into Nelson and the
upper West Coast.
"The Tararua Ranges will see more rain, possibly heavy, as
early as tonight," Mr Duncan said. Any prolonged rain could
very easily see rivers rise again.
On Saturday a larger low will move in from the Tasman Sea
again bringing heavy rain to western New Zealand -- possibly
the entire west coast from Fiordland to Northland.
More wet weather was expected next week from fronts coming in
from the west.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.