Severe Weather Warnings

Issued by MetService at 9:44am Saturday 16 Jan 2021

Heavy rain for parts of the South Island

A cold front is forecast to move onto the South Island early Sunday morning and track northwards onto the North Island during Sunday afternoon. The front is preceded by strengthening northerlies and a period of heavy rain, and followed by an unsettled west to northwest flow.

A Heavy Rain Warning is now in force for the ranges of Westland south of Otira, while Heavy Rain Watches are now in force for the remaining ranges of Westland, also northern Fiordland, the Buller ranges, northwest Nelson, and the Richmond Range.

In addition, a low is expected to develop near the Otago coast Sunday evening, bringing a period of southwesterly rain to Southland and eastern Otago, where rain amounts could approach warning criteria. A Heavy Rain Watch is now in force for Dunedin, Clutha and Southland south of Riversdale.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case further areas are added, or any Watches are upgraded to Warnings.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

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 ranges south of Otira

Valid: 21 hours from 4:00am Sunday to 1:00am Monday

Forecast: Expect 90 to 110mm of rain. Peak rates of 20 to 35mm/h Sunday morning, and thunderstorms likely.

An update for severe weather will be issued by: 9:00pm Saturday 16 Jan 2021

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