A significant rain event is beginning today, peaking Thursday and easing Friday on the West Coast and rainfall totals are expected to exceed 200mm (and up to 300mm) over the next two days, prompting WeatherWatch.co.nz to advise locals and tourists to take extreme care in the region.

There is a risk of slips and flooding as a result of this rain event so motorists should also take extra care, as should anyone near waterways.

One positive is that the rain should be spread out over a few days but the intensity on Thursday looks fairly high with torrential rain expected – one step up from “heavy”. Torrential rain can overflow gutters and spouting in a very short time and is being fuelled by sub-tropical air coming from Queensland/New Caledonia/Fiji area.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz