Heavy weather to hit the Mainland

Heavy rain was forecast to start falling in the west of the South Island as far north as Otira overnight, while severe gales are expected to arrive in most eastern parts of the island.

It’s ‘‘likely to be a severe weather event’’, MetService said.

An active front was forecast to approach the South Island from the south Tasman Sea yesterday, then move northeast over the Island from late today to tomorrow, MetService said.

The front, preceded by a strong, moist and unstable northwest flow, was expected to bring significant heavy rain to western and central parts of the South Island and severe gales to Fiordland and eastern areas of the South Island.

Those living alongside rivers across South Canterbury have been asked to keep a close eye on water levels and move stock.

MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said the worst of the heavy rain would fall in the Canterbury high country.

‘‘Throughout the South Island, and definitely South Canterbury, we are looking at a significant weather event. There is potential for it to become a red warning event,’’ he said.

McInnes said they were working closely with Environment Canterbury to keep people safe in areas that could potentially flood near riverbeds and streams.

‘‘It is really important for people in the plains to understand that they might not get rain over the next few days, but the rain in the high country could cause flooding for them. All the rain has to go somewhere,’’ he said.

There’s also a heavy rain watch for Buller south of Mokihinui from 9am today.

Civil Defence Emergency Management Canterbury said it was told by MetService that the rain spillover into the region could be ‘‘unusually significant’’.

The Christchurch City Council said gusts could increase to more than 100kph today.

‘‘Now is the time to take some extra precautions to prepare for the potential of strong winds tonight and tomorrow,’’ Civil Defence and Emergency Management manager Brenden Winder said yesterday.

‘‘If you have large outdoor items or garden furniture that might get blown around in high winds, think about how you can secure them or move them inside. It’s also a good idea to keep pets inside and check in with those around you who may need assistance in getting prepared.’’

Northerlies were forecast to be strong with a chance of a shower in Christchurch today, and tomorrow rain was forecast to develop in the afternoon and the northerly winds would change to the southwest.