<\/p>\n
\nShot of Fiordland taken during Earth Sciences New Zealand’s end of year snowline survey.
\nPhoto: Gregor Macara \/ Earth Sciences New Zealand\n<\/p>\n
MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for Fiordland, with up to 150mm of rain and thunderstorms predicted on Sunday morning.<\/p>\n
“Peak rates of 20 to 30mm\/h expected, mainly Sunday evening. Minimal chance of upgrading to a red warning,” the forecaster said.<\/p>\n
The orange-level warning was in place for between 9am on Sunday and 2am on Monday.<\/p>\n
“Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions [are] possible.”<\/p>\n
Another orange-level warning was in place for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers from Sunday evening through to early Monday morning.<\/p>\n
“Expect 90 to 120mm of rain about the main divide, and 50 to 80mm within 15km farther east. Peak rates of 20 to 30mm\/h expected about the divide with possible thunderstorms.<\/p>\n
“Freezing level above 3000 metres. Minimal chance of upgrading to a red warning.”<\/p>\n
A strong wind warning for the Canterbury High Country was in place for Sunday afternoon, with severe gale-strength northwesterlies expected.<\/p>\n
“Damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures possible,” MetService said. “Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.”<\/p>\n
That was forecast to begin around 1pm and last until early Monday.<\/p>\n
A strong wind watch was in place for Fiordland, Southern Lakes and parts of Southland and Central Otago from midday Sunday through to early Monday.<\/p>\n