Heavy Rain for parts of Southland, Otago and Canterbury from 6pm today through to 6am Wednesday morning

A deepening low over the Tasman Sea moves towards the South Island today. This low is forecast
to become slow moving tonight, with a second low centre forming tomorrow east of Canterbury.
As a result a prolonged period of rain is likely in parts of Southland, Otago and Canterbury with
significant accumulations in some places.

Rain will spread into Otago later today and become persistent tonight as southerlies strengthen.
Accumulations of 100 to 150mm of rain are expected in some places, especially in parts of inland
Southland, Eastern Otago and on the South Canterbury foothills. For these areas, this is a
significant amount of rain and could well lead to surface flooding and slips in some places. During
the same time, heavy snow is likely above about 800 metres for inland parts of Southland, Otago
and South Canterbury, and snow could fall down to 600 metres in some places.

Waitaki residents can expect gale force winds with the strong cold southerly blast. These winds
will reach storm force in mountain areas. Residents are advised to ‘hunker down’ and ensure any
loose objects are securely tied down as the cold, wet and windy weather front approaches.