Severe Weather Warning

Issued by MetService at 10:32am Saturday 23-Sep-2017

Heavy rain for the west of the South Island from Sunday evening, plus severe northwest gales for Canterbury

A very strong and moist northwest flow spreads onto New Zealand during Sunday, which persists until at least Tuesday. An embedded front will bring a burst of heavy rain to western areas as it moves slowly northwards from Sunday evening. A period of northwest gales are also forecast for much of southern and central New Zealand ahead of this front.

Heavy Rain Warning

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Westland south of Hokitika
Valid: 15 hours from 9:00pm Sunday to 12:00pm Monday
Forecast: Expect 120 to 160mm of rain about the ranges, and 40 to 70mm nearer the coast. Peak rates of 25 to 35mm/h expected during Monday morning about the ranges, especially in thunderstorms.

Area: Fiordland
Valid: 24 hours from 6:00pm Sunday to 6:00pm Monday
Forecast: Expect 120 to 160mm of rain. Note, 70 to 110mm will likely fall in the 6 hour period from 9pm Sunday to 3am Monday. Peak rates of 25 to 35mm/h during this time, especially in thunderstorms.

Strong Wind Warning

Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Area: Canterbury
Valid: 15 hours from 6:00pm Sunday to 9:00am Monday
Forecast: Northwest gales are forecast to be severe gusting 130 km/h at times, especially inland and about higher parts of Banks Peninsula.

This warning will be updated by: 9:00pm Saturday 23-Sep-2017

A service provided through a contract with the Crown

(C) Copyright Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd 2017