Weather: Front brings heavy rain and gales for central and southern New Zealand

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Several areas of central and southern New Zealand are bracing for heavy rain and gale-force winds as a front moves across the country. MetService has issued a severe weather…

MetService has issued warnings and watches to multiple locations across central and southern New Zealand. Image / MetService

Several areas of central and southern New Zealand are bracing for heavy rain and gale-force winds as a front moves across the country.

MetService has issued a severe weather warning as the front is expected to bring heavy northwesterly rain to the western South Island and the Tararua Range, as well as severe northwest gales possible for the Canterbury High Country, Wellington and Wairarapa.

An orange heavy rain warning applies to the Tararua Range from 4pm today to 6am tomorrow. The area is expected to receive 100 to 150mm of rain.

The ranges of the Buller District are under the same warning, from 3am to 5pm Monday, while the Grey District is under it from 10pm Sunday to 2pm Monday, when rain is expected to ease in the area.

The same warning applies to the Westland District from 8pm Sunday to 1pm Monday and to the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur’s Pass, from 8pm Sunday to 2pm Monday.

The warnings have a minimal likelihood of being upgraded to “red”, however, MetService warns of rapidly rising rivers and streams. Surface flooding and slips are also possible.

Residents of these areas are asked to clean drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain, to avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

MetService has also issued a strong wind watch for the Canterbury High Country, from 10pm of Sunday to 12pm of Monday.

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