Heavy rainfall on the way
Queenstown Lakes is forecast to have some heavy rainfall over the next couple of days, while Fiordland and the West Coast gets drenched.
MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Warning – Orange for the Headwaters of the Otago Lakes and Rivers. That's in place until tomorrow at 8am.
We can expect 200 to 300mm about the main divide, and 100 to 150mm within 15km further east towards Glenorchy. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h. The rainfall may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Heavy rainfall is expected to return later on Wednesday and become more widespread through Otago, and a further Warning or Watch may be issued closer to the time. Check the latest updates on the MetService website.
"QLDC with Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management is keeping a close eye on things," council spokesman Sam White says.
"Contractors are doing inspections of vulnerable sites, and we’re in touch with emergency services, partner agencies, Otago Regional Council flood duty staff, and our volunteer Community Response Groups – who are based right across the district.
"With any luck it’ll just be a bit of rain, but given September’s weather event, it’s good to be prepared."
For Queenstown central, Thursday is expected to be the wettest day of the week, before clearing a little on Friday and through the weekend.
In Fiordland, meanwhile, a Heavy Rain Warning – Orange is in place for George Sound and northwards until 3am tomorrow. On top of what has already fallen, expect another 80 to 110 mm of rain. Peak rainfall rates of 15 to 25 mm/h. Again, heavy rain is likely to return on Wednesday afternoon and a further Watch or Warning is likely to be issued closer to the time.
Fiordland south of George Sound can also expect periods of heavy rain, with amounts which may approach warning criteria.
The West Coast is expected to bear the brunt of the deluge with 600 to 800mm to accumulate about the ranges, and 200 to 300mm about the coast. Peak rates of 25 to 35 mm/h about the ranges from mid Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday evening, then again from mid Thursday morning onwards.
"This is a significant heavy rain event with the potential for upgrade to a Red Warning," the MetService warning reads.
A Heavy Rain Warning - Orange for the West Coast for 62 hours from 10am today.
