Heavy rain in Nelson and Marlbrough spreading into Canterbury today

Further rain through much of thursday.

A low developing in the Tasman Sea should move slowly towards the
North Island today and cross central New Zealand on Thursday.
A frontal zone extending ahead of this low now lies over northern
parts of Marlborough and Nelson and should move slowly south today. A
strong moist easterly flow is developing over the South Island, and
should persist much of tomorrow.
Heavy rainfalls are expected today and tonight for northwest Nelson
and much of Marlborough with further rain off and on tomorrow. Rain
is spreading southwards over Canterbury this morning. A long period
of moderate or heavy rain is expected from the Canterbury coast to
the foothills, with the rain continuing for much of Thursday.
People in these areas should watch out for rising rivers and streams.
Surface flooding is also likely.

MORE DETAILED INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY MANAGERS AND TECHNICAL USERS FOLLOWS:

HEAVY RAIN WARNING

AREA/S AFFECTED: NORTHWEST NELSON, MARLBOROUGH AND CANTERBURY
FORECAST:

NORTHWEST NELSON
Heavy rain is now falling in this areas.
In the 24 hours from 9am Wednesday to 9am Thursday expect a further
80-120mm
rain. During this time up to 50mm rain may also fall over the rest of
Nelson and about Nelson City. Heaviest falls are likely to be this
afternoon and evening when rainfall rates may reach 15-20mm per hour.
Further rain or heavy showers are expected through the rest of
Thursday.

ALL of MARLBOROUGH
Moderate or heavy rain is now falling over all of Marlborough.
In the 24 hours from 9am today to 9am Thursday expect 60-100mm over
most of Marlborough. The heaviest falls are likely to be about the
Sounds this afternoon, and the Kaikoura Coast and ranges this evening
and tonight. Rainfall rates may reach 10mm per hour at times today.
Further rain or heavy showers are expected through the rest of
Thursday.

CANTERBURY
Rain is spreading south this morning, and will become heavier during
the afternoon and evening. Moderate or heavy rain should then
continue through much of Thursday before easing in the evening. In
the 27 hours from 3pm today to 6pm Thursday expect 60-100mm rain.
This warning covers much of Canterbury including the plains and
foothills. Places further inland near the main divide and about the
Mackenzie country can expect lesser amounts of rain.

FREEZING LEVEL/SNOW CONDITIONS: Above 2000 metres for Marlborough and
Nelson. 1600 metres for north Canterbury. 1300 metres for south Canterbury.

NEXT SEVERE WEATHER WARNING WILL BE ISSUED AT OR BEFORE
9:00pm Wednesday 10-Oct-2007

Forecast prepared by: Oliver Druce

A service provided through a contract with the Crown