Heavy Rain Warnings just announced by Met Service - Council Advice

The Met Service have just announced both an Orange and Red rain warning for parts of the South Island.

The heavy rain Orange warning applies to Tasman west of Motueka for 31 hours from 2pm Wednesday, 2 February to 9pm Thursday, 3 February.

Forecast: Expect 150 to 250mm of rain. Peak rates of 20 to 40mm/h. Please note, that further rain is expected after this period, and the Warning may be extended.

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

Red and Orange Heavy Rain Warning zones

Both Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council have issued warnings on Antenno.

Councils warn that the heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible.

Make sure drain areas are clear of debris, stock should be moved away from river flats, and campers should be aware of low lying sites that can potentially become flooded.

Storm moving in Met Service

The region has been mostly very dry for weeks except for some rain after Tasman District Council issued Phase A water restrictions after which TDC issued a further notice that the water restrictions remain in effect.

Yesterday it was a beautiful day. Photo Ray Therkleson

It looks as though from the Met Service forecast  that the Nelson Tasman region will have plenty of rain over the next few days.

Bainham, Collingwood, Takaka, Upper Takaka, Pohara, Awaroa, Riwaka and Kaiteriteri are all in the heavy rain warning Orange zone.

Murchison should be advised that you are very close to the West Coast heavy rain warning Red zone.

Anyone entering the Able Tasman National Park and the North West Nelson Forest Park should be advised that this area has a heavy rain Orange warning.

The Kahurangi National Park is in both the  heavy rain Red and Orange zones.

Clouds moving in over the Richmond Ranges today. Photo Ray Therkleson

The Buller area has a heavy rain Red Warning with rain from Wednesday to 6pm Friday.

The forecast is: expect 300 to 400mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, and 150 to 200mm near the coast. Peak rates of 20 to 35mm/h about the ranges, with thunderstorms possible.

Please note, that further heavy rain is likely during Friday night and Saturday, and this Warning could be extended.

This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.

For more info go to the Metservice website. 

Pigeon Post News

pigeonpostnews@gmail.com