Heavy rain for Otago coast, snow warnings for inland roads

Otago's east coast, including Dunedin, is in for a soaking overnight and into tomorrow.

In an update late this evening MetService issued a heavy rain warning for the stretch of coast from Oamaru to the Clutha River.

The forecaster said the area could expect 50 to 70mm of rain from 9pm tonight to 1pm tomorrow.

A heavy snow watch has also been issued for Central Otago and the Southern Lakes District. MetService says rain could turn to snow above 700 metres, with heavy accumulations possible above 900 metres.

MetService earlier issued a heavy rain watch for Dunedin and Clutha, noting that rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

A downpour on Sunday, in which 10mm of rain fell in an hour, caused surface flooding and a minor landslip in Dunedin.

The Dunedin City Council says it is watching the situation but not expecting any major issues.

"Our staff and contractors are out taking all the necessary precautions, checking the city’s stormwater and wastewater systems, sweeping gutters and checking mud tanks in low-lying and high-risk areas."

A heavy rain watch has also been issued for Southland with rainfall possibly hitting warning criteria north of Winton.

Road snowfall warnings have been issued for the Crown Range Road, the Lindis Pass (State Highway 8) and the Milford Road (SH94).

Road snow warnings

Lindis Pass (SH8)

Valid: 7 hours from 11pm Wed 17 May to 6am Thu 18 May
Forecast: Snow may lower to 800 metres tonight or early Thursday morning and up to 1 cm of snow may settle on the road above 900 metres.

Crown Range Road

Valid: 10 hours from 10pm Wed 17 May to 8am Thu 18 May
Forecast: Snow may to lower to 800 metres tonight or early Thursday morning. 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle on the road above 900 metres.

Milford Road (SH94)

Valid: 11 hours from 7pm Wed 17 May to 6am Thu 18 May
Forecast: Snow to 800 metres, may lower to 600 metres overnight. 2 to 4 cm of snow may settle on the road above 800 metres, possibly more.

 

 

 

 

 

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