Heavy rain and possible severe northwest gales for parts of the South Island.
An active front, preceded by gale northwesterlies, moves over the South Island during Monday and early Tuesday morning, bringing heavy rain to western and southern areas and possible severe northwest gales to the south and east of the South Island.
Watches and warnings are now in place for many parts of the South Island.
Please keep up to date with the latest forecast.
Period: 19 hours from 2:00am Mon 26 Oct to 9:00pm Mon 26 Oct
Forecast: Expect 200 to 280 mm of rain. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected from late Monday morning.
Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Heavy Rain Watch - Yellow
Area: The Queenstown Lakes District away from the headwaters, also Southland and Stewart Island
Period: 10 hours from 1:00pm Mon 26 Oct to 11:00pm Mon 26 Oct
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly about the ranges.
Note, rain spreading north during Monday afternoon and easing from the south from evening.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Strong Wind Watch - Yellow
Area: Fiordland, Southland and Stewart Island
Period: 10 hours from 9:00am Mon 26 Oct to 7:00pm Mon 26 Oct
Forecast: Northwest winds may exceed severe gale in exposed places, mainly inland.
High chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.
