More than a month's rain predicted for parts of Marlborough

Thursday and Friday's bad weather could see Blenheim get over its usual monthly rainfall for June ahead of the weekend, with warnings across the Top of the South.

An Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in effect for Marlborough about and north of Seddon (excluding the Sounds) with peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h, or possibly even more, expected from Thursday late afternoon, mainly about the ranges.

The Sounds are under their own yellow Heavy Rain Watch and Strong Wind Warning.

MetService Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said that even if predictions don't reach their forecasted maximum, the next two days "is not a small amount of rain for the region so people should expect rain related impacts.

"Generally, the rain has set in around the top of the South and looks to persist through to Friday evening.

"Blenheim itself could get 100-130mm of rain - the month of June typically sees the town get around 70mm.

​"Larger amounts of rain will be falling in the ranges, and this has to go somewhere so be wary of rising rivers around the region".

Marlborough Emergency Management Controller Richard MacNamara said it was a dynamic event.

“All of Marlborough’s emergency and lifelines agencies are up to speed and our response teams are ready to go.”

“While the rain forecast remains somewhat uncertain, the weather system does have the potential to stall and deliver additional rainfall on Friday.”

“With the Wairau River stop bank at Spring Creek in a compromised state awaiting upgrads, we are taking the precaution of advising residents of Spring Creek township to plan to evacuate their homes from 6am Friday, tomorrow morning.

"They can leave this evening if they wish but the key time when the river may be running high is from early tomorrow morning.”

“Spring Creek residents are asked to stay with family or friends - have a grab bag ready and take pets and prescription medications with them.”

The affected streets in Spring Creek are Dodson, Hathaway and March streets, and part of Ferry Road. Further updates will be provided, primarily through Marlborough District Council’s Facebook page and the Antenno alerting app.

Sign up to Antenno here: https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/apps/antenno

Follow the forecast and weather warnings at https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home