West Coasters warned to batten down the hatches

West Coasters are being urged to keep a watchful eye on the weather following warnings and watches issued by Metservice.

Metservice has officially warned that the West Coast is expected to face heavy rain.

In Westland a prolonged period of heavy rain is expected from this evening until Thursday morning of up to 300 - 400 millimetres in the ranges, and 90 – 140 millimetres near the coast. Peak intensities of 30 – 40 millimetres per hour are expected, with possible thunderstorms.

In Buller a period of heavy rain is expected from midday Wednesday until Thursday morning, with 50 - 200 millimetres of rain expected to accumulate in the ranges, and 60 – 100 millimetres about the coast. Peak intensities of 20 – 30 millimetres per hour are expected, with thunderstorms possible.

In response to this, Civil Defence West Coast is working through normal procedures to ensure if the predicted event eventuates we are ready to respond.

West Coast Regional Council Chief Executive Mike Meehan is encouraging all Coasters to be aware of the warning and to keep up to date with the latest updates via the Metservice website. “We will have Council staff monitoring river levels and working through flood warning procedures as per normal.”

The Regional Council offers flood alerts via Twitter. The rivers linked to provide this information include the Karamea, Mokihinui, Buller, Grey, Hokitika and Waiho Rivers. Flood alerts are another tool that will share updates with the public when a river goes through its alarms levels. To register to receive a Twitter flood alert visit www.wcrc.govt.nz/floodalerts.

“If possible avoid travelling during this time,” said Mr Meehan. “However, if you have to travel please take care, be prepared and watch out for rising waterways and take care in coastal areas.”