HEAVY RAIN AND STRONG WINDS SET FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY & MAIN DIVIDE

Issued 6:10am – Tuesday morning 27/03/2018

ACTIVE FRONT SET TO BRING HEAVY RAIN & STRONG WINDS FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY & MAIN DIVIDE

A high-powered energy system will move onto the West Coast of the South Island this morning bringing heavy rain and strong winds for the Main Divide & High Country. The more severe weather will set in the afternoon, before easing late evening and clearing tonight.

Out east across the Canterbury Plains we may see gusty NW winds for a time and perhaps brief period of spill over shower activity, but this is High Country & Main Divide event. Sunny skies, high cloud and very warm temperatures will dominate our Tuesday. (Please source your town forecast for more specific details).


RAIN (Time Frame 10am – 9pm Tuesday).

Heavy rain will set in the morning before gradually easing this evening and clearing tonight. The heavier falls will occur about the Main Divide, where 70-90mm may occur in the above time frame. Spill over rain will affects areas out east, with up to 20mm falling 20km of the Main Divide. Rainfall intensity will peak this afternoon, with 15mm-20mm/hr per hour possible. Arthur’s Pass Village & Mt Cook Village are likely to experience the heavier falls here in Canterbury. Rain of this intensity may cause slips, flash flooding and make driving hazardous. Avoid recreational activities in the High Country and our main river systems.


WIND (Time Frame 6am – 10pm Tuesday).

Strong winds will affect the High Country today, with gale force NW winds possibly reaching 100km/hr in exposed areas around 700m-1000m. Gusts could exceed 150km/hr above 1500m. Take care using our alpine passes, especially in high sided vehicles. We expect the stronger winds to occur between midday and 6pm. Gusty NW winds may touch down across the Plains, but gusts are likely to remain below 70km/hr.


Information will be updated and reviewed around 3pm Tuesday afternoon.

Weather Analyst: Russell Voice

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