Just in from the weather office is the following warning that effects the earthquake devastated area around Christchurch.
A deep low over southeast Australia should move across the south Tasman Sea during Sunday, and a broad and active frontal band is expected to move onto the South Island.
A very strong, moist northwest flow ahead of this front is expected to bring a period of heavy rain to the South Island West Coast and the Southern Alps, and severe gales to eastern parts of the South Island, and the south of the North Island. Behind the front, winds and rain should ease, but the flow remains northwesterly, and further heavy rain is expected in Westland and Fiordland.
Up to 300 mm or so is forecast for the Westland and Fiordland ranges, and significant amounts are expected to spill across the Alps into the Otago and Canterbury headwaters. North of about Otira, the duration of the rain should be less, but up to 120mm could fall in a 15 hour period in the ranges of north Westland, Buller, and northwest Nelson.
These are fairly high rainfalls for these areas, and rivers and streams are expected to rise rapidly. Those involved in recreational activities in Fiordland and the Alps should be aware of an impending period of stormy weather.
In addition, severe gale force northwesterlies are forecast for the east of the South Island from inland Southland to Marlborough, and also for Wellington and Wairarapa. These winds have the potential to bring down trees and powerlines, and make driving hazardous. They are also likely to be dangerous to structures already weakened by the recent earthquake.
Related posts:
- Weather for Anzac day
- The outlook for the next week for New Zealand
- Really rough weather south of the city
- More rain on Friday – MetService issue warnings
- Auckland at night
