A Burst Of Heavy Rain And Strong Winds Today

A Burst Of Heavy Rain And Strong Winds Today

Severe Weather Warning Issued by MetService at 07:59am 19-Feb-2004

A BURST OF HEAVY RAIN AND STRONG WINDS TODAY

MetService forecasters are expecting a front moving over the country today to become more active, producing a spell of heavy rain in many western areas from Fiordland to northwest Nelson and in the the west of the North Island from Wellington to Taranaki. Rainfalls in some parts of the ranges in these areas could amount to around 100mm in about a 12 hour period with lesser amounts of 30 to 50mm in some lower lying areas west of the ranges. In the west of the South Island the bulk of the rain will be from this morning to late afternoon or evening, while in the southwest of the North Island heaviest falls are expected late evening, with the rain easing after about midnight as the front moves away.People in these areas are advised to watch for rising river levels in view of the recent heavy rains, and to stay up to date with the latest forecasts.

In addition, northwest winds will become strong ahead of the front, with a brief burst of severe gales gusting to 120 kilometre/h this evening from Wellington to southern Hawkes Bay and over the hill country in western areas from Taranaki to Taihape. Wind gusts of this strength could cause damage to trees, power lines and small structures and make driving conditions hazardous.

FOR THE LATEST WEATHER AND FORECAST CHARTS PLEASE GO TO http://www.metservice.co.nz/maps/index.asp

MORE DETAILED INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY MANAGERS AND TECHNICAL USERS FOLLOWS:

HEAVY RAIN WARNING.

AREAS AFFECTED:

THE SOUTH ISLAND WEST COAST

THE HEADWATERS OF THE OTAGO AND CANTERBURY LAKES AND RIVERS

THE TARARUA RANGES

THE RUAHINE RANGES, THE HIGH COUNTRY FROM TAIHAPE TO INLAND WANGANUI,

TARANAKI

FORECAST:

THE RANGES FROM NORTHERN FIORDLAND TO FRANZ JOSEF

In the 10 hours from 8am to 6pm today, 70 to 100mm possible, with peak intensities 10 to 15 mm per hour.

THE RANGES FROM FRANZ JOSEF TO NORTHWEST NELSON

In the 9 to 12 hours from midday today 80 to 100 mm possible with peak intensities of 10 to 15mm per hour in the afternoon to early evening.

THE HEADWATERS OF THE OTAGO AND CANTERBURY RIVERS FROM LAKE WAKATIPU TO THE WAIMAKARIRI RIVER

In the 12 hours from 9am to 9pm today up to 100mm possible close to the main divide and over 60mm within 15km east of the divide.

THE TARARUA RANGES SOUTH OF LEVIN

Rain setting in from this afternoon and increasing in intensity in the evening.In the 12 hours from noon to midnight today 100 to 120mm is possible on higher slopes from Levin southwards with peak intensities of 25 to 30mm per hour after 6pm. On lower lying slopes to the west up to 50mm is possible and 15 to 25mm near the coast.

NORTHERN TARARUAS, THE RUAHINE RANGES AND THE HILL COUNTRY FROM TAIHAPE TO INLAND WANGANUI

In the 6 hours from about 8pm today to 2am Friday, a short burst of heavy rain with 50 to 70mm possible. Peak intensities may briefly reach 25mm per hour.Nearer the coast 15 to 25mm possible.

TARANAKI

In the 9 hours from about 3pm to midnight today 100 to 140mm possible on higher slopes of Mt Taranaki. In lower lying areas of northern Taranaki and the hill country to the east 50 to 70mm possible from 8pm to 2am Friday.

STRONG WIND WARNING.

AREAS AFFECTED: OVER AND EAST OF THE NORTH ISLAND HIGH COUNTRY FROM TARANAKI AND HAWKES BAY SOUTHWARDS TO WELLINGTON

FORECAST:

FOR WELLINGTON WAIRARAPA SOUTHERN HAWKES BAY AND THE WESTERN HILL COUNTRY AREAS FROM TARANAKI TO TAIHAPE

Northwesterlies rising to gale in exposed places this evening, and may rise to severe gale briefly tonight with gusts to 120 kilometre/h in some places.

NEXT SEVERE WEATHER WARNING WILL BE ISSUED AT OR BEFORE

9:00pm Thursday 19-Feb-2004

Forecast prepared by: Bob Lake

A service provided through a contract with the Crown

© Scoop Media