Front forecast to bring heavy rain to South

KEEP a jacket handy this weekend — the MetService says heavy rain is expected in Fiordland, Westland and the Canterbury and Otago headwaters.

A MetService spokesman said a front would move north over the South Island during the weekend bringing rain to most parts of Otago and Southland tomorrow.

An Orange heavy rainfall warning had been issued for parts of Fiordland and Westland, and there were also watches in place for southern Fiordland and the Canterbury and Otago headwaters.

He said up to 200mm was expected to fall about the ranges of Westland, south of Otira, and up to 120mm near the coast south of Ross, between 3am tomorrow and 2am on Monday.

Rainfall intensities of 20mm30mm per hour were possible tomorrow afternoon and evening.

In Fiordland, about and north of Doubtful Sound, up to 120mm of rain was expected between 8pm today and 2pm tomorrow, and intensities might reach 15mm25mm per hour at times.

The spokesman said the heavy rain might cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly.

Surface flooding and slips were also possible, and driving conditions might be hazardous.

In Fiordland, south of Doubtful Sound, heavy rain was also expected to approach warning criteria between 6pm today and 9am tomorrow.

Rainfall accumulations might also approach warning criteria in the Canterbury and Otago headwaters within 15km east of the main divide, between 12.01am tomorrow and 3am on Monday.

He advised people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings as more areas might be added, or watches could be upgraded to warnings.