Metservice has issued a number of watches and warnings for incoming severe weather, including an Orange Heavy Rain warning for North Otago and a Road Snow Warning for the Lindis Pass.

MetService Severe Weather Warning

Issued at 9:54am Sun 28 Jul 2024

Periods of heavy rain and snow for parts of the country, and southeasterly gales for western parts of the South Island.

A low is developing over the Tasman Sea and is forecast to affect the country from Monday to Wednesday. Persistent and cold easterlies are expected to develop over the southern South Island, bringing heavy rain and possible heavy snow above 300 to 500 metres.

Southeasterly gales are expected to develop over the western parts of the South Island from late Monday or early Tuesday.

Watches and Warnings are now in force for many parts of the country.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Area: North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha southeast of Raes Junction

Period: 30 hours from 12:00pm Mon 29 Jul to 6:00pm Tue 30 Jul

Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 5 to 10 mm/h expected.

Note, rain is expected to turn to snow above 300 metres during Tuesday.

Light to moderate rain is expected for remainder of Tuesday and Wednesday morning.

Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

MetService Road Snowfall Warning for Lindis Pass (SH8)

Issued at 11:43am Sun 28 Jul 2024

Lindis Pass (SH8)

Valid: 18 hours from 6:00am Mon 29 Jul to 12:00am Tue 30 Jul

Forecast: Expect 2-5 cm of snow to accumulate on the road above 700 metres during Monday. Further snow is expected during Tuesday, to an even lower level.

For the latest updated forecasts and real time conditions in your local area, click on the Waitaki towns below, or go to the Weather category, next to News|Sport in The Waitaki App!

Oamaru

Weston

Kakanui

Hampden

Palmerston

Macraes

Ngapara

Duntroon

Kurow

Otematata

Omarama

Lake Ohau Alpine Village