With the Metservice issuing weather watches and warnings due to the current weather system affecting the South Island, West Coast Emergency Management, agencies and local controllers are meeting regularly and ready to take action if necessary.

West Coast Civil Defence Regional Director Claire Brown says that agencies expect a lot of rainfall through until tomorrow afternoon. “We are meeting again this afternoon just to ensure we are passing on any updates and are informed as to what impact there is across the district.
It is recommended that people stay home if they can and to take care over the next 24 hours in particular. Please keep up-to-date on the forecast through Metservice and check NZTA Waka Kotahi for roading updates.”

The Metservice advises that heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Metservice have issued the following watches and warnings:

· Heavy Rain Warning – Westland South of Otira – from 9am Monday 18 July to 1pm Tuesday 19 July. Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms. Expect a further 150 to 300mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges on top of what has already fallen, and 70 to 100mm near the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h about the ranges. Freezing level about 2000 metres.

· Strong Wind Watch – Westland – from 9am Monday 18 July to 6am Tuesday 19 July - North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

· Heavy Rain Watch - Buller South of Little Whanganui – from 9am Monday 18 July to 2pm Tuesday 19 July. Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges.

Fulton Hogan has advised that SH6 Haast Pass is closed due to fallen trees, with an update expected at 5pm this evening.

Agencies will meet again later today to assess the situation and report on any further impacts.

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