Weather: Heavy rain, winds forecast to hammer South Island
The heaviest falls are expected in the Westland ranges with 180 to 220 mm of rain forecast.
Photo:
Supplied/MetService
A number of weather warnings are in place for much of the South Island, as a front bringing heavy rain and gales moves across the country.
MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers, the Tasman district north-west of Motueka, the Westland district and Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound from Wednesday.
The heaviest falls are expected in the Westland ranges with 180 to 220 mm of rain forecast from Wednesday morning.
In the Tasman district, between 150 to 200 mm of rain was expected about the ranges, with lesser amounts nearer the coast.
In Otago, between 150 to 200 mm of rain was expected to fall about the main divide.
MetService said surface flooding and slips were possible in those areas, and warned drivers to be aware of difficult driving conditions.
Severe Weather Warnings and Watches issued for heavy rain and northwest gales over southern and central parts of Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Yellow rain warnings are in place for the ranges of Buller and Grey District. Buller District has a high change of being upgraded to a warning.
Strong wind watches are also in place for the Marlborough Sounds and Wellington, the Canterbury High Country, the Queenstown Lakes District, Central Otago, Fiordland and Southland.
Malborough Sounds has a high chance of being upgraded to a warning.
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