Cyclone Gita update: Battered Nelson prepares for the worst

Rain is getting heavier in Nelson, as the first of Cyclone Gita blows into town.

The area is expected to be hammered by up to 200mm of rain, with peaks of between 20 to 30mm an hour.

Nelson City Council spokesman Paul Shattock said residents were taking preparations seriously, as this was the third bout of severe weather in two weeks.

"People are checking on family and friends, which is one of our key messages: make sure family, friends, neighbours are safe, they're prepared.

"Then, if the worst hits, people are ready and can cope. There could be power outages, there could be all sorts of things.

"People are actually taking it seriously, they do realise that these events are happening more frequently, and they need to be prepared accordingly."

Nelson-Buller is still sodden from the previous severe weather, including a torrential downpour last weekend that dumped 145mm of rain.

Cyclone Fehi also hammered the area at the beginning of February.