A large front is slowly moving across the Tasman Sea this afternoon prompting the government forecaster to issue rain warnings for the South Island’s West Coast including east coast catchment areas and for Mt Taranaki.

As well, strong wind warnings are also in force for the lower North Island regions of Wellington and Wairarapa, plus Marlborough.

Wind Warnings (as of 11:14am)

Wellington and Wairarapa south of Masterton North to northwest winds may reach severe gale on Sunday. Between 9am and 4pm Sunday, gusts of 120km/h are possible in exposed places.

Eastern Marlborough and the Outer Sounds North to northwest winds may reach severe gale Sunday morning.Between 6am and midday Sunday, gusts of 120km/h are possible in exposed places.

Rain Warnings (as of 11:14am)

Mt Taranaki
A period of heavy rain is forecast for Sunday. In the 9 hours from 6am Sunday, expect 80 to 100mm of rain on upper slopes. Heaviest falls late morning with intensities reaching 15 to 20mm per hour.

Nelson  and Nelson Lakes
Ranges of northwest Nelson A period of heavy rain is forecast for Sunday morning. In the 9 hours from 3am Sunday, expect 60 to 80mm of northerly rain. Heaviest falls early morning with intensities reaching 10 to 15mm per hour.

Westland 
As far north as Otira Heavy rain is forecast on Sunday morning. In the 9 to 12 hours starting midnight Saturday, expect 120 to 160mm of rain about the ranges, but possibly as much as 180 to 200mm near the Glaciers, with 50 to 80mm near the coast. Peak intensities could reach 25 to 35mm per hour in the mountains around dawn on Sunday where conditions will be very stormy with severe north to northwest gales. Behind the front, further rain or showers during Sunday may add a further 40 to 60mm of rain. 

Fiordland 
Heavy rain is forecast from late tonight. In the 9 hours from about 10pm Saturday, expect 75 to 100mm of rain. Heaviest falls from Milford Sound northwards overnight tonight with intensities reaching 15 to 25mm per hour. Conditions will be very stormy in the mountains with severe north to northwest gales. Behind the front, further rain or showers during Sunday may add a further 30 to 50mm of rain.

Christchurch, Canterbury High Country & Canterbury Plains
Canterbury headwaters south of the Waimakariri River Heavy rain is forecast to spill over the Southern Alps into the Canterbury headwaters on Sunday morning. In the 9 to 12 hours from about midnight Saturday, 120mm is possible on the Main Divide with 50 to 60mm spilling 10 to 15km east of the Divide.
 

Homepage image / Zelda Wynn