A deep low is forecast to cross the South Island and there is a possibility heavy rain may approach warning levels in the North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha areas tonight and tomorrow morning.
There is also "moderate confidence" south-to-southwest gales will become severe about exposed parts of eastern Otago for a time tomorrow and on Monday.
MetService has advised people in these areas to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any of these watches is upgraded to a full warning or new areas are added.
ORC engineering, hazards and science director Dr Gavin Palmer said although most of the streams and rivers in the region were receding after the heavy rainfall of the past few days, the forecast rain was likely to see them rise again.
He also advised Otago residents to keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts and river levels.
The council has a 24-hour-duty flood manager monitoring river and lake levels.
Information on river and lake levels is available on the ORC’s Waterinfo website, www.water.orc.govt.nz, and through the Flow Phone, 0800 426-463.
The MetService forecast for early next week shows another front, preceded by yet more heavy rain and northwest gales, approaching the lower South Island on Tuesday, then moving northwards over the country during Wednesday.
There is high confidence rainfall amounts around Fiordland will meet warning criteria from late Tuesday into Wednesday, and moderate confidence
rainfall amounts in Westland will meet warning criteria on Wednesday.
Also, there is moderate confidence northwest gales will become severe about Fiordland and exposed parts of Southland, Otago and Canterbury on Tuesday and Wednesday.
