MetService has issued an Orange heavy rain warning for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers.
Between 4am and 2pm on Thursday, up to 120mm of rain is expected to fall about the main divide, and up to 80mm could fall within 20km farther east.
A MetService spokesman said peak rates of up to 25mm per hour was expected about the divide and may start freezing around 2000m.
‘‘Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions are possible.
‘‘Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.’’
He urged people to clear their drains and gutters, in preparation for the heavy rain. A heavy rain watch was also in place for Fiordland, from midnight tonight until 10am on Thursday.
He said periods of heavy rain were expected, and amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly north of Doubtful Sound.
Wind watches were also issued for Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes District.
In Fiordland, northerly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places between 8pm tonight and 10am on Thursday, and it was possible the watch would be upgraded to a warning.
In Southland and Stewart Island, north-northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places, particularly inland areas of Southland, from midnight tonight until 11am on Thursday, and there was a chance this watch would also be upgraded to a warning.
A strong wind watch has also been issued for Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes District, between midnight tonight and noon on Thursday.
Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places, and there was a ‘‘moderate chance’’ the watch would be upgraded to a warning, he said.
Southern severe weather alerts
Orange Heavy Rain Warning
Area: The headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers, for 10 hours from 4am-2pm on Thursday
Forecast: Expect 100 to 120mm of rain about the main divide, and 60 to 80mm within 20km farther east. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h expected about the divide. Freezing level about 2000 metres.
Heavy Rain Watch
Area: Fiordland, for 10 hours from midnight on Wednesday to 10am on Thursday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly north of Doubtful Sound.
Strong Wind Watch
Area: Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes District, for 12 hours from midnight on Wednesday to noon on Thursday.
Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Area: Fiordland, for 14 hours from 8pm on Wednesday to 10am on Thursday.
Forecast: Northerly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Area: Southland and Stewart Island, for 11 hours from midnight on Wednesday to 11am on Thursday.
- Allied Media
