Pigeon Post News: Wild Weather -Tasman residents urged to take care as heavy rain forecast for region

Friday, February 4, 2022

Wild Weather -Tasman residents urged to take care as heavy rain forecast for region

Weather Warning Zones up to 9am Friday. MetService

Tasman District Council has reiterated the need for residents to take care out there, with extended periods of heavy rain forecast in the coming days.

A significant amount of rain has already fallen overnight in the region, with well over 300 mm in parts of Golden Bay and up to 170mm recorded in the hills behind Richmond and Nelson.

MetService New Zealand updated their weather warnings on Thursday, with an Orange Heavy Rain Warning now in place for the Richmond and Bryant Ranges, and Nelson Lakes until 3am Saturday 5 February. Expect 200 to 350mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h.

Rocks Road Closed Until 2pm Thursday. Photo R Therkleson

The Orange Heavy Rain Warning also remains in place for Golden Bay and areas west of Motueka, with a further 250mm to 380mm of rain expected to accumulate about the ranges on top of what has already fallen, and 150mm to 220mm near the coast.

Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h are forecast about the ranges, and up to 30mm/hr at times.

A Red Heavy Rain Warning remains in place for the Buller Region.

Slip on the West Coast. Buller District Council

With the high level of saturation already seen across the region, Council is monitoring the situation as it develops and remains cautious of the possible effects from ongoing rainfall.

People are reminded to be aware of the possibility of flooding, slips and rising river levels.

Wild Weather along Rocks Road. Photo R. Therkleson

River levels are on the rise as expected. However, under the current forecast high river levels are expected to be centred in the Aorere Valley and to a lesser extent Tākaka catchments, peaking on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Rainfall on the Richmond Ranges is constant. Photo R Therkleson

With the increase in rainfall totals for the Richmond Ranges by Saturday, flows in the eastern rivers may exceed annual flood levels, but major flooding is still not forecast.

Driving conditions may also be hazardous, so please drive to the conditions and allow extra time to get to your destination.

If not done already, residents are being reminded to make sure drain areas are clear of debris and stock should be moved away from river flats.

Rivers are rising. Buller District Council

There is the potential for some coastal erosion during high tides, but no coastal inundation of significance.

Rain is expected to ease for a time Friday morning. However, further rain is possible Saturday night and Sunday and a new heavy rain watch or warning may be issued closer to the event.