MetService is warning of possible flooding and slips as heavy rain is set to hit the South Island, while Northland has been upgraded to an orange heavy rain warning.
Heavy rain was expected for northern and western parts of the South Island on Sunday, and heavy rain is forecast for northern parts of the North Island on Monday.
The NZ Transport Agency warned people travelling in the top of the South Island to be ready for potential highway closures as well as hazardous driving conditions as people make their way home after the long weekend.
MetService said today there was a moderate chance of a rain warning becoming Red - its highest alert - for the Tasman District northwest of Motueka.
Between 350 to 400mm of rain, but possibly more than 500mm about the ranges was forecast, and thunderstorms were possible.
Rain warnings have already been issued for Westland, Fiordland, the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers, Nelson city including the Rai Valley, the Buller Ranges and, in the North Island, Taranaki Maunga.
Fiordland, north of Charles Sound, could expect 80 to 120mm of rain from 9am to 8pm on Sunday.
For Westland, south of Hokitika, between 350 and 500mm of rain was forecast about the ranges, and 100 to 150mm about the coast from 9am on Sunday until 10pm on Monday.
Buller was set to get up to 300mm of rain from noon on Sunday until midnight on Monday. Thunderstorms were possible from Monday evening.
Meanwhile, the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers were under a heavy rain watch from 9am until 8pm from Sunday. Periods of heavy rain may approach warning criteria within 15km east of the Divide.
Other watches were in place for Marlborough Ranges in the South Island and for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua and Taupo in the North Island.
The Canterbury High Country is under a strong wind watch from 5am until 5pm on Sunday. North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
MetService warned that flooding, slips and dangerous driving conditions were possible.
Tasman warning
Nelson Tasman Civil Defence said the amount of rain expected could cause flooding, with streams and rivers rising quickly if thunderstorms occurred.
Areas affected could include Golden Bay and surrounding ranges, including the Aorere and Tākaka catchments; Tākaka Hill, including Abel Tasman/Mārahau; Riuwaka River; eastern catchments of the upper Motueka River, including the Upper Motueka and Motupiko catchments; Richmond Ranges behind Nelson and Richmond, extending through the Wairoa and Wai-iti catchments and possibly also the Maitai.
Roads at risk include:
- SH60 - Richmond to Collingwood
- SH6 - Hira to Havelock
- SH6 - Nelson to Murchison
- SH65 - O'Sullivans Bridge to Lewis Springs
- SH63 - Wairau Valley
- SH1 - Blenheim to Seddon
Drivers travelling in these areas were urged to stay up to date on road and weather conditions, as roads may close at short notice and affect King's Birthday weekend travel plans.
"Ignoring a closure not only puts your safety and those of your passengers at risk but also endangers emergency service staff who may have to rescue you," an NZTA spokesperson said.
Earlier, Tasman Mayor Tim King said he was not expecting dramatic amounts of flooding but rivers would be rising quickly and road users were advised to take care.
"Keep an eye on the weather, keep an eye on the forecast and council information," he said.
Westland Mayor Helen Lash hoped the heavy rain would be manageable for the region, as it was coming over a long duration.
- additional reporting Allied Media
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
