scrub fire in Canterbury<\/a> this week were hampered by high winds.<\/p>\n\u201cWe had a foretaste of this last Wednesday, when there were multiple fires across our region \u2013 and our firefighters dealt with some very challenging situations due to preventable fires.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to avoid that happening again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hands said the winds will make any fires very hard to control and could easily ignite old fires that have not been completely extinguished.<\/p>\n
Anyone who has had an outdoor fire in the last two weeks is being urged to check the site and make sure it is completely out, Hands said.<\/p>\n
Members of the public are told to put water on the ash piles or embers if there is any sign of heat.<\/p>\n
Heavy rain warnings also in place<\/p>\n
Orange heavy rain warnings are also in place for western parts of the South Island-West Coast, the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers.<\/p>\n
The orange heavy rain warning continues into the Tasman region northwest of Motueka and Richmond and Bryant ranges and Rai Valley.<\/p>\n
MetService confirmed 83mm of rain had fallen at Mount Cook village in just 6 hours overnight, which equated to 12 mm of rain an hour.<\/p>\n
Additionally Milford Sound recorded 64mm of rain overnight.<\/p>\n
NZTA said it was responding to reports of flooding on State Highway 6 in Central Otago this morning and surface flooding on State Highway 73 between Kumara Junction and Arthur\u2019s Pass.<\/p>\n
People are advised to clear drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain, avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.<\/p>\n
Westland is forecast to get heavy rainfall of 80mm on top of what has fallen. Those in the area are advised that there is a risk of flooding, slips and power outages.<\/p>\n
\u201cRivers and streams may rise rapidly and surface flooding is possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Grey District is also in for strong winds and potential severe gusts in exposed areas. Members of the public are told to secure loose items and be prepared for travel delays.<\/p>\n
Anyone in the Buller District should expect windy conditions and rainfall increasing today and tomorrow. People in the area are urged to drive with caution on exposed and elevated roads.<\/p>\n
MetService said the combination of strong wind and rain pushed rainfall further inland with the heaviest rainfall east of the Southern Alps.<\/p>\n
With school holidays also now under way, authorities are urging those travelling on roads to be extra careful and to keep up-to-date with weather forecasts and warnings.<\/p>\n
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