Southland braces for flooding

Emergency Management southland group controller Angus McKay says the heaviest rainfall is in the north-west of Southland, with about 40mm to 60mm fallen so far today. “The models being used predict another 20mm to 30mm, so we could be looking at about 90mm of rain in total,” he says.

Steady rain will continue to fall to at least 9pm tonight and there are also high winds forecast for Fiordland and Foveaux Strait.

McKay says the intensity of the rain from Cyclone Fehi has been less than expected and the rivers are now only just beginning to respond.

“Levels are still largely below normal but the Environment Southland flood warning system has been activated because of the speed the rivers are increasing at.”