Heavy rain in Marlborough could reach warning level
Unsplash / Erik Witsoe
Marlborough District Council is closely monitoring the weather forecast in case a front brings more rain than expected.
MetService has extended its heavy rain watch to include all of Marlborough from 9am Thursday to 6pm Friday.
The forecast was for periods of heavy rain with amounts that could approach or exceed warning criteria, particularly about the Richmond and Bryant ranges, with a high chance it would be upgraded to a heavy rain warning.
There was also a strong wind watch in place for the region, with north to northwest winds expected to approach severe gale in exposed places.
A council spokesperson said the forecast remained uncertain.
"The weather system does have the potential to stall and deliver additional rainfall on Friday, which could lead to a more significant weather event. Marlborough Emergency Management and council are therefore taking a cautious approach and monitoring the situation closely," they said.
There is a precautionary evacuation trigger level of 4000 cumecs and rising for Spring Creek north of Blenheim because of the cracked stopbanks that protect the township from the Wairau River.
Residents could expect an update by mid-Thursday afternoon about the predicted river flows once the latest forecasts were assessed, the council said.
People were encouraged to prepare for heavy rain by clearing drains and gutters on their properties.
The rain could cause surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions, and cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. People were encouraged to avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
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