Two days of weather warnings across Marlborough
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@ewitsoe?utm_source=ghost&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit">Erik Witsoe</a> / <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=ghost&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit">Unsplash</a>
Rain and wind watches are blanketing Marlborough and most of the South Island over the next two days.
A Heavy Rain Watch has been issued by MetService New Zealand for 33 hours across the region from 9am Thursday 26 June to 6pm Friday 27 June
South Marlborough around and south of Seddon have a 15-hour Strong Wind Watch from midnight tonight, while the Marlborough Sounds are under a 16-hour Strong Wind Watch from 4am to 8pm Thursday.
The forecast is for periods of heavy rain with amounts that may approach or exceed warning criteria, particularly about the Richmond and Bryant ranges. There is a high chance this watch will be upgraded to a Heavy Rain Warning.
A Marlborough District Council representative said the rain forecast remains uncertain so it is difficult to predict impacts at this stage.
“The weather system does have the potential to stall and deliver additional rainfall on Friday, which could lead to a more significant weather event.
“Marlborough Emergency Management and Council are therefore taking a cautious approach and monitoring the situation closely.
Residents of Spring Creek township should expect an update by the middle of Thursday afternoon regarding any potential impact on Wairau River flows, once the latest forecasts have been assessed.
“Council is working directly with MetService New Zealand for the most up-to-date data to inform our hydrological models.
Keep an eye on MetService for watch and warning updates at www.metservice.com/warnings/home
NZ Transport Agency are urging drivers to be ready for bad weather driving conditions on the region’s roads. Read the latest update at: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-bulletins/wet-and-windy-weather-on-the-way-for-top-of-the-south-drivers