A red heavy rain warning has been issued for coastal Dunedin and Clutha, with MetService warning of possible flooding and slips as a severe bout of winter weather bears down on the lower South Island.
The rare red level rain warning, which was upgraded from orange at lunchtime on Sunday, was in place until 9am Monday.
MetService meteorologist Maddy Neal said between 80mm and 120mm of rain was expected across the region, with the heaviest falls forecast from late Sunday afternoon through to early Monday morning.
"The intensity and the amount of rain hasn’t changed for this update, but it is just to ensure that people are making good decisions about their travel and any disruptions they can be expecting," Neal said.
“It is also enabling councils to prepare people who are in those areas along coastal Dunedin and Clutha for this heavy rain event.”
It was the sixth red warning issued by MetService this year, and the 25th since the highest alert level was introduced in 2019.
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell was en route to Dunedin as a precaution, according to his office. Mitchell was expected to arrive in the evening.
The Dunedin City Council (DCC) said rain was already causing localised surface flooding on roads around the city on Sunday afternoon, with the risk of more as conditions intensified.
The city's Civil Defence bunker was activated Sunday afternoon, and sandbag stations were open at the Dunedin Ice Stadium carpark and the Mosgiel Memorial Park gym carpark.
"Contractors have been checking and clearing the city’s stormwater systems, sweeping gutters and checking mud tanks in low-lying and high-risk areas in preparation for this weather event," a DCC spokesperson said.
"We are working hard to ensure the city is ready and all steps are taken to minimise any impacts, and our contractors and staff are on standby to respond to any incidents."
MetService warned the severe weather could bring dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips, with roads potentially becoming impassable.
"In some of the worst-case scenarios, communities could potentially become isolated," Neal added.
Snow levels prompt travel warnings
The rain was expected to be accompanied by lowering snow levels inland, with snow possible above 200 metres. An orange heavy snow warning remained in force for inland Otago, excluding coastal areas, and northern Southland.
Snowfall warnings also remained in force across Haast Pass (SH6), Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Road and the Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1), with snow expected to accumulate through Sunday and into Monday.
NZTA Waka Kotahi urged road users to be aware of potential for road closures and delays, and advised motorists to carry warm clothes, water and food in case they get stuck, or need to stop and wait for the weather to pass.
"Ensuring sufficient battery range or petrol in the tank is also advised in case there are detours and diversions required," it added.
Rest of the South Island
The rest of the South Island was also in line for a spell of severe weather over the next 48 hours.
An orange heavy rain warning was issued for Marlborough and inland Canterbury north of Lake Sumner from Monday afternoon, while a heavy rain watch was also in place for inland Canterbury north of the Rangitata River.
Further south, mainland Southland was under a heavy rain watch, while strong wind watches were issued for Fiordland and the West Coast
Neal urged people in affected areas to keep up to date with official advice, avoid unnecessary travel and check in on those around them.
“My advice would be to make sure people are staying up to date with information from their councils and not making any unnecessary travel,” she said.
“And making sure they are connecting with their neighbours and looking out for each other in their communities.”
Full list of watches and warnings:
Heavy Rain Warning – Red
Coastal Dunedin and Clutha – 21 hours from noon Sunday to 9am Monday.
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Marlborough and inland Canterbury north of Lake Sumner (excluding Marlborough Sounds) – 26 hours from 4pm Monday to 6pm Tuesday.
Coastal North Otago – 21 hours from noon Sunday to 9am Monday.
Heavy Snow Warning – Orange
Otago (excluding coastal areas) and northern Southland (north of about Lumsden) – 21 hours from 9am Sunday to 6am Monday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Inland Canterbury about and north of the Rangitata River (excluding areas covered by warnings) – 24 hours from noon Monday to noon Tuesday.
Mainland Southland (excluding hill country north of Lumsden above 400 metres) – 11 hours from noon to 11pm Sunday.
Heavy Snow Watch
South Canterbury south of the Rangitata River – 24 hours from 3am Monday to 3am Tuesday.
Strong Wind Watch
West Coast south of Westport – 16 hours from 10am Monday to 2am Tuesday.
Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound and west of the Main Divide – 20 hours from 10pm Sunday to 6pm Monday.
Road Snowfall Warnings
Haast Pass (SH6) – 11 hours from noon to 11pm Sunday.
Lindis Pass (SH8) – 21 hours from noon Sunday to 9am Monday.
Crown Range Road – 16 hours from 11am Sunday to 3am Monday.
Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1) – 26 hours from noon Sunday to 2pm Monday
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