Gale, heavy rain warnings likely for South

MetService says it is highly likely severe gales and heavy rain warnings will be issued for Otago and Southland tomorrow as a front approaches the South Island.

Meteorologist Kyle Lee said a front was expected to move on to the lower South Island from the west tomorrow night, bringing rain to western parts, and northwest gales to eastern areas.

The front was forecast to move northward on Saturday, while a second front was expected to approach the South Island from the Tasman Sea, moving up the country on Sunday and Monday.

"On Saturday, there is high confidence that rainfall accumulations will meet warning criteria in Fiordland and Westland, lowering to moderate confidence on Sunday.

"In Fiordland and Southland, there is moderate confidence of northwest gales becoming severe on Saturday and Sunday, and low confidence of severe southwest gales late Sunday and Monday.

"In parts of Otago and Canterbury, there is high confidence of severe northwest gales on Saturday, lowering to moderate confidence on Sunday.''

Mr Lee said it was highly likely MetService would be issuing specific warnings for the region later tomorrow, as the forecast became more conclusive.

He advised Otago and Southland residents to keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

"It's the usual story - be aware of what the weather forecasts are, the updates, the areas that will be most impacted, and the timings of the forecast are also important.''

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

 

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