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Heavy rain for the west and north of the South Island, also the Tararuas and Mt Taranaki

Monday 7 January 2008, 10:05AM

By Metservice

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A front is forecast to slowly cross southern and central New Zealand during
Monday and Tuesday. The front is preceded by a very moist northwest flow,
bringing heavy rain to many western areas, especially the ranges.

Highest rainfalls are expected in the ranges of Westland, where considerable
rain has fallen already, and rates could reach 30mm at times in thunderstorms.

The rain is likely to last for a day or so about the ranges of Buller and
northwest Nelson, the Richmond Ranges, Marlborough Sounds,Tararua Ranges and
Mount Taranaki. Here, 100 to 150mm could fall during this time, with up to 250mm
about higher parts of Mt Taranaki and the Tararuas.

People in these areas, particularly campers, should keep a close eye on river
and stream levels, as these could rise rapidly.

MORE DETAILED INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY MANAGERS AND TECHNICAL USERS FOLLOWS:

HEAVY RAIN WARNING

AREA/S AFFECTED: FIORDLAND NORTH OF DOUBTFUL SOUND, WESTLAND, THE HEADWATERS OF
THE OTAGO AND CANTERBURY LAKES AND RIVERS, THE RANGES OF BULLER AND NORTHWEST
NELSON, THE RICHMOND RANGES, MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS, ALSO THE TARARUAS AND MOUNT
TARANAKI
FORECAST:

FIORDLAND NORTH OF DOUBTFUL SOUND
In the south of this area, expect another 20 to 30mm betweem 9am and
11am Monday.In the north, another 50 to 70mm is expected between 9am
and 2pm Monday.Intensities may briefly reach 25-30mm per hour.

WESTLAND AS FAR NORTH AS OTIRA
In the south of this area, expect another 80 to 100mm in the 6 hours
from 9am to 3pm Monday. Intensities 25-30mm per hour in thunderstorms.
In the north, expect another 180-220mm in the 12 hours from 9am to
9pm Monday.Intensities 25-30mm per hour in thunderstorms.

THE HEADWATERS OF THE OTAGO LAKES AND RIVERS
In the 9 hours from 9am to 6pm Monday, expect a further 70mm near the
divide,and over 35mm within 10km east of the divide.

THE HEADWATERS OF THE CANTERBURY LAKES AND RIVERS
In the 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Monday, expect a further 120mm near
the divide,and over 70 mm within 10km east of the divide.

THE WESTLAND RANGES NORTH OF OTIRA
In the 18 hours from 9am Monday to 3am Tuesday, 120-140mm is expected.
Intensities up to 20mm per hour in thunderstorms.

THE RANGES OF BULLER AND NORTHWEST NELSON
In the 25 hours from 9am Monday to 10am Tuesday, expect 120-150mm.
Intensities up to 15-20mm per hour.

RICHMOND RANGES AND THE MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS
In the 26 hours from 10am Monday to noon Tuesday, 100-120mm is
expected.Heaviest falls after midday Monday, with intensities up to
15mm per hour.

THE TARARUAS
In the 30 hours fromn midday Monday to 6pm Tuesday, expect 150 to
250mm about higher slopes, with 80 to 140mm likely about lower slopes.
Heaviest falls after 3pm Monday, when intensities could reach 20 to
30mm per hour about higher slopes.

MOUNT TARANAKI
In the 30 hours from midday Monday to 6pm Tuesday, expect 150 to
190mm about higher slopes, with 70 to 130mm about lower slopes.
Heaviest falls after 6pm Monday, when intensities could reach 20-25mm
per hour about higher slopes.

SOUTH ISLAND FREEZING LEVEL : Above 4000 metres.