MetService has issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the inland portion of Tasman District, west of Motueka for a 13-hour period from 11am this morning to midnight tonight.

The Heavy Rain Warning is at the lower end of the scale. The heaviest rain is expected to begin early this afternoon along the ranges around Golden Bay. Totals of 70 to 100 mm are forecast with peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h this afternoon. Rain is expected to slow near midnight with showers forecast through Thursday morning.

Winds are forecast to start northeasterly and become southerly as the front moves through. For the Aorere, Tākaka, and Motueka catchments, forecast flows are expected to remain well below annual flood levels. For the remainder of the District, main rivers are expected to rise only slightly and also remain well below annual flood levels. As always, localised bursts of heavier rain could still produce rapid, short-lived rises in small streams and drains.

Rainfall totals and intensities are modest and are not expected to trigger widespread landslips. No thunderstorm activity is forecast. Tides are relatively low and no storm surge is expected.

In summary, based on the current rainfall forecast, our Hydrology team have no concerns at this stage. However, if flooding would have severe consequences for you, please take a prudent approach and allow for the possibility of higher flows than currently forecast.

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