Flood warning – Kaikoura and Hurunui Districts, and Banks Peninsula

MetService have issued an orange heavy rain warning for Kaikoura ranges and parts of Hurunui and Waimakariri districts.  A rain watch has also been issued for Banks Peninsula.

Rain is expected to begin falling in the Kaikoura and Hurunui districts overnight tonight (Sunday) and remain heavy through Monday before easing from Tuesday morning. Rain on Banks Peninsula is expected to begin falling tomorrow morning (Monday).  See the MetService website for details.

 

Large coastal swells (4.5-5 m) are also expected for the area Motunau to Waiau Toa/Clarence River from tonight (Sunday) to Tuesday morning.   

 

While the most significant rain is expected in the Kaikoura ranges, some heavy rain is also expected in the foothill catchments of Hurunui District. Prolonged rainfall on Banks Peninsula is also expected for Monday and Tuesday. 

The forecast rain is likely to impact all rivers and streams in the Kaikoura District.  Foothill tributaries of Waiau and Hurunui catchments may also be affected. 

We will continue to monitor forecasts, landed rainfall, river flows, and our flood protection infrastructure throughout the event.

We recommend that you stay up to date with the latest flooding information, and beware of increasing flows if you are working or recreating in affected riverbeds. Farmers adjacent to flood affected rivers should consider moving stock away from vulnerable areas.

This message will be updated by 9 a.m. tomorrow morning.