Heavy Rain Warning for the West Coast - Wednesday 13th May 2015

[NZLW]

ISSUED BY MetService 12-May-2015

Heavy rain for the West Coast Wednesday with significant spillover, and severe northwest gales for the Canterbury High Country
A trough, preceded by a strong moist northwest flow, is set to bring yet more rain to the West Coast during Wednesday, with significant spillover into the headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers. The heaviest falls are expected about Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound and the ranges of Westland south of Otira, where 100 to 120mm is expected to accumulate in a 24 hour period. This amount of rain could cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly, surface flooding, slips and make driving hazardous.

Note, even more rain is forecast for these areas during Thursday.

In addition, northwesterlies are expected to rise to severe gale about exposed parts of the Canterbury High Country for a time Wednesday, when gusts of 130 km/h are possible. Winds of this strength have the potential to damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.

HEAVY RAIN WARNING

Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound and the ranges of Westland South of Otira

Rain is expected to become heavy around midnight Tuesday and continue through Wednesday. In the 24 hours from midnight Tuesday to midnight Wednesday, expect 100 to 120mm to accumulate in Fiordland and about the ranges of Westland. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm/hr Wednesday morning with thunderstorms.

Note, about coastal areas of Westland 40 to 70mm could accumulate.

Headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers

Rain is expected to become heavy around midnight Tuesday and continue through Wednesday. In the 24 hours from midnight Tuesday to midnight Wednesday, expect 80 to 100mm to accumulate near the divide with over 40mm spreading to 15km east of the divide and lesser amounts further east. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm/hr Wednesday morning with thunderstorms.

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