Further heavy rain expected for Tasman - CIVIL DEFENCE NOT ACTIVATED YET

 TASMAN HEAVY RAIN - Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Not yet Activated 

Tasman Bay

Tasman District Council is keeping a cautious eye on the next phase of severe weather approaching the region. 

Metservice has updated its weather forecast for Nelson and Tasman on Friday, with the area west of Motueka expected to experience 150 to 250mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, and 60 to 100mm near the coast from midday Friday to 3am Saturday, in addition to what has already fallen. 

Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h about the ranges, and up to 35mm/hr, are anticipated.  

Bryant Ranges

Council is also keeping an eye on what rainfall occurs around the Richmond and Bryant Ranges as well as the Nelson Lakes areas, particularly in relation to rising river levels. 

Between 150mm and 230mm of rain is expected to accumulate from 1pm Friday to 11am Saturday, in addition to what has already fallen, with peak rates of 10mm to 25mm/h. 

Richmond Ranges Saturday Morning 5th Feb

Staff were made aware of several minor slips in the district overnight, as well as pooling of water near Pōhara and on properties near the Tākaka River. However, no road closures were necessary. 

The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management Group was yet to activate the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) as of 2pm on Friday but were monitoring the situation as it developed. 

Takaka Hill Road that has just been repaired after storms

The Aorere, Anatoki and Tākaka areas of Golden Bay have received between 229mm and 433mm in the last two days.   

Rivers in Golden Bay have receded thanks to a brief pause in rainfall on Friday but will again rise this evening with the forecast rain expected to see slightly higher flows than Thursday, peaking later tonight and early Saturday morning.   

River flows occurring so far have not caused any issues, and this should remain the case with subsequent flows to come.     

However, with the saturation already seen in Golden Bay, and also in the hills behind Richmond and Nelson, we remain cautious that any unexpected high intensities could cause flooding higher than predicted levels.

As the event proceeds, there are also likely to be some slips and surface flooding.

Richmond looking towards Nelson Airport Saturday 5th Feb

Council encourages everyone to take care during the wet weather period, especially when driving or in the vicinity of rivers and waterways.

Weather Report:

MetService

ORANGE warning heavy rain warning remains in forces for parts of Tasman, Marlborough, Wellington, Horowhenua Kapiti Coast, Tararua Range and Mount Taranaki. Heavy rain watch is force for the remainder of Taranaki, Taumarunui, Taihape and Whanganui.

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Nelson Lakes

Period: 4hrs from 9pm Fri, 4 Feb - 1am Sat, 5 Feb

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Expect 60 to 90mm of rain to accumulate, in addition to what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 25mm/h.

Area: Tasman west of Motueka

Period: 6hrs from 9pm Fri, 4 Feb - 3am Sat, 5 Feb

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Expect another 60 to 100mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, and 50 to 80mm near the coast, in addition to what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 25mm/h especially about the ranges.

Area: Rai Valley, Richmond and Bryant Ranges

Period: 12hrs from 9pm Fri, 4 Feb - 9am Sat, 5 Feb

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Expect 80 to 110mm of rain to accumulate, in addition to what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 25mm/h.

Pigeon Post News

Thanks to Tasman District Council