Heavy rain warning for Tasman, watch for Nelson

MetService has issued an orange alert heavy rain warning for the west of Tasman District, starting at 6pm today. The area west of Motueka is expected to receive 110mm to 160mm of rain over the 24-hour period starting at 6pm, mainly in the ranges, with peak rainfall of 20mmto30mmper hour from this morning. MetService has issued the warning because the rain could cause rapid rises in river levels, as well as potential surface flooding or slips, and dangerous driving conditions. Thunderstorms are also possible. The Richmond Range and Rai Valley area, as well as northwestern parts of the Marlborough Sounds, are also under a heavy rain watch, with the possibility that rainfall levels will reach the criteria for a warning to be issued. The rain was expected to start about midnight last night and continue until 7pm tomorrow, with periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms possible.