As heavy rain continues to fall in Fiordland and Westland, alpine-fed streams could rise quickly and there is a risk of flooding and slips today, MetService warned yesterday.
About 200mm of rain had fallen in Fiordland since Sunday night and a further 150mm to 200mm was predicted through to today, with 100mm to 150mm reaching the Southern Alps, MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said.
"This amount of rain has the potential to cause flooding and slips."
In 24 hours, Milford Sound had received 117mm and further north it was expected some of the rain would swell Otago rivers.
Mr McDavitt warned alpine-fed streams and rivers might rise rapidly even if little rain was being experienced locally.
"Keep an eye on nearby river levels and keep up to date with the latest MetService weather warnings and forecasts."
Areas on the brink of drought, such as North Otago, would welcome the rain.
In Central Otago only 5mm was predicted.
