A yellow heavy rain watch has been issued by MetService for the Marlborough Sounds including Picton and Havelock, and eastern Marlborough including Blenheim, Rarangi, Renwick, Seddon, Ward and Kaikōura, from 2pm to midnight on Sunday 12 April.

Council Chief Executive John Boswell said residents and businesses should prepare their property, remove or tie down any loose items outside, clear gutters, make sure pets are indoors and ensure stock is managed appropriately.

“While Marlborough does not have the levels of rain and wind warnings issued for parts of the North Island, this is a significant weather event and people should be prepared.”

“Council’s Rivers team has advised rain levels will likely be well within the capacity of the Wairau River flood protection scheme, therefore any river flood impact on communities such as Spring Creek, Tuamarina and Renwick is expected to be minimal.

“Marlborough’s Emergency Management team will however be keeping a close eye on things over the weekend and if there is any change to the forecast this will be shared via the Council’s Facebook page, website and Antenno app.”

“The Ōpaoa and Taylor river levels near Blenheim are likely to rise but not on the scale we saw in June last year. The Flaxbourne River on the East Coast could also see elevated levels late on Sunday night, similar to those experienced during Cyclone Gabrielle.”

“Surface flooding may occur around the region and the Blenheim stormwater network could be put under pressure, depending on the intensity of rainfall. People should avoid driving on Sunday afternoon and evening if possible.”

At this stage Marlborough Emergency Management is monitoring the situation only. MetService advises there is a moderate chance of the watch being upgraded to a warning.

Further information: Weather Warnings & Watches | MetService

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