Severe weather warning - heavy rain

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A strong moist northwesterly flow is expected to spread over the South Island and lower North Island from Friday night through Saturday. The northwesterly precedes a front which is forecast to move east over the South Island during Saturday afternoon and evening. Rain is expected about western parts of the South Island and the lower North Island, with the heaviest falls about Fiordland, Westland, the Buller Ranges.

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

Area: Buller and Westland north of Otira
Valid: 17 hours from 6:00am to 11:00pm Saturday
Forecast: Expect 80 to 100mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, with 40 to 60mm closer to the coast. Peak intensities 10 to 15mm per hour Saturday afternoon and evening.

Area: Westland south of Otira
Valid: 18 hours from 3:00am to 9:00pm Saturday
Forecast: Expect 200 to 250mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, with 80 to 120mm closer to the coast. Peak intensities 20 to 30mm per hour from Saturday morning, with thunderstorms possible. Note, after the heavy rain, showers continue until Sunday afternoon.