Heavy rain not over for flood-hit South Canterbury

Flooding at Ranfurly Holiday Park, Central Otago over the weekend. Photo / Supplied

More heavy rain is on the way for parts of Canterbury recovering from flooding at the weekend.

The MetService said the amount of rain today could be significant for areas already affected by the heavy rain including South Canterbury, Otago and South Westland.

A front, preceded by a northerly flow, moves onto the lower South Island from the Tasman Sea during this afternoon, then works its way slowly north, before weakening tomorrow morning.

The front is expected to bring a period of rain to southern New Zealand, briefly heavy in the west, with persistent falls likely about eastern areas for a time, which may be significant for areas vulnerable from previous flooding.

🟨A Heavy Rain Watch🟨 has been issued for parts of Otago and Canterbury Hill Country. https://t.co/qHyE5zhh6X

Risk of heavy rain 5pm to 11pm, could cause issues in recently flooded areas.
Video also shows next front affecting South Island Thursday and North Island Friday ^TA pic.twitter.com/RUwHvIDf6r

— MetService (@MetService) January 4, 2021

From 5pm until 11pm today, rain was expected for North Otago and South Canterbury, south of Tekapo, and Temuka.

In Westland, south of Harhiari, there would be a period of rain, with some heavy falls about the ranges from 3pm today until 3am tomorrow. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges.

Another period of rain was likely to develop tomorrow night or early Thursday morning, and heavy falls were possible on the West Coast.

Starnews.co.nz