Updated Severe Weather Warnings from metservice (squid) Heavy rain and severe gales as an active front moves north across the country A front over the lower South Island is moving northwards, preceded by heavy rain in the west and northwest gales in eastern districts. More than 100mm of rain has already fallen in Fiordland, and more is expected there, while the ranges of Westland can expect a further 150mm to accumulate. Heavy rain is also expected to spill over into the Otago and Canterbury headwaters. Streams and rivers are likely to rise rapidly and surface flooding and slips are possible. In the east, severe northwest gales in Canterbury, Marlborough and Wellington are expected to spread to Wairarapa and Central Hawkes Bay overnight. POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGING WINDS Winds may be especially gusty and potentially damaging in the Canterbury High Country tonight and over the lower North Island early Monday where gusts could reach 150km/h in exposed places. Winds of this strength can damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles, and for anyone crossing the Rimutaka Hill early Monday morning. Note, gales are likely to spread across much of the North Island on Monday and could become severe in many places from Nelson and Marlborough up to Auckland. People are advised to prepare for a period of blustery winds from late Sunday into Monday, and to keep up to date with forecasts in case further warnings become necessary. HEAVY RAIN WARNING AREA/S AFFECTED Fiordland FORECAST Heavy rain is forecast to continue overnight. In the 9 hours till 6am Monday, expect a further 60 to 90mm of rain to accumulate, especially about the ranges north of Doubtful Sound. Intensities up to 20mm/hr this evening with thunderstorms. FREEZING LEVEL: 2200 metres, lowering to 1400 metres overnight. AREA/S AFFECTED Westland FORECAST Heavy rain has set in. In the 15 hours till noon Monday, expect a further 120 to 150mm of rain to fall, especially about the ranges, while 50 to 70mm are likely about the coast. Peak intensities of 20-30mm/hr this evening and overnight in thunderstorms. FREEZING LEVEL: Rising to 2400 metres this evening, lowering to 1600 metres Monday morning. AREA/S AFFECTED Otago and Canterbury headwaters south of the Waimakariri River FORECAST Heavy rain has set in about the Otago and Canterbury headwaters. In the 12 hours till 9am Monday, expect 100 to 130mm of rain to accumulate about the Divide, with 60 to 90mm within 15km farther east. Peak intensities of 15-25mm near the Divide tonight in thunderstorms. FREEZING LEVEL: Rising to 2400 metres Sunday evening, lowering to 1600 metres Monday morning. AREA/S AFFECTED The ranges of Buller FORECAST Heavy rain is forecast to set in overnight. In the 18 hours from 9pm Sunday till 3pm Monday, expect 80 to 120mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, with lesser amounts near the coast. Peak intensities of 15-20mm/hr overnight. STRONG WIND WARNING AREA/S AFFECTED Canterbury and Marlborough FORECAST Northwest gales are expected to be severe in exposed places. Until Monday morning, gusts of 120km/h are likely in exposed places, but may reach 140km/h about the Canterbury High Country tonight. AREA/S AFFECTED Wellington FORECAST Northwest gales expected are expected to be severe in exposed places from this evening, before easing during Monday morning. Gusts of 120km/h are likely in exposed places, especially about hilltops, but could reach 140km/h about the Rimutaka Hill overnight and early Monday morning. AREA/S AFFECTED Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay south of Napier FORECAST Northwest gales expected from tonight, reaching severe gale overnight. Gusts of 120km/hr are likely, but could reach 150km/h in exposed places Monday morning. Winds should ease in Wairarapa early Monday afternoon and in Hawkes Bay Monday evening.
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 10:13:23 +0000