West Coast heavy rain warning: Up to 400mm forecast in Westland ranges

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An “orange” level heavy rain warning is in place for the West Coast of New Zealand as well as the Tararua Range and the headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers as a front moves…

An orange warning is in place for the West Coast and the Tararua Range. Photo / MetService

An “orange” level heavy rain warning is in place for the West Coast of New Zealand as well as the Tararua Range and the headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers as a front moves slowly northwards.

MetService is forecasting heavy falls in Westland ranges of up to 400mm from midday Sunday until early Monday afternoon with up to 150mm falling closer to the coast. Peak rates of 30-40mm/h could be expected on Monday morning.

A similar amount is forecast for the Main Divide at Arthur’s Pass and south, with severe northwest gales possible.

Up to 130mm is expected about the Buller and Grey district ranges from Sunday evening until Monday afternoon.

The Tararua Range is in line for up to 150mm of rain in the 24 hours from Monday afternoon.

The warnings have a minimal likelihood of being upgraded to “red”, however, MetService warns of rapidly rising rivers and streams. Surface flooding and slips are also possible.

Severe northwest gales are also possible across Wellington and the Wairarapa.

Elsewhere, showers are expected to clear in Auckland while Hawke’s Bay is expecting temperatures in the 30s on both Sunday and Monday. Christchurch could get strong northwesterlies turning northeast on Sunday with showers expected on Monday.

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