29/07/25 11.19AM Update.
MetService New Zealand has updated the forecast this morning, and while the rainfall is expected to fall over a 16-hour period, we are preparing to respond should we need to. Our region has taken a bit of a hammering over the past couple month, so we are being cautious.
Our Emergency Operations Centre is activated this morning. This includes support from experienced staff from around the country, so that we are prepared should we need to be.
KEY MESSAGES
- Avoid non-essential travel, there may be surface flooding, and a risk of slips occurring.
Welfare.
Civil Defence Centres are open at the following locations. If you feel at risk, or require support the following locations are open:
- Tapawera Community Centre (open at midday)
- Wakefield - St Johns Church (open now)
Roading
- Slips are possible with this event, especially in the Takaka and Mārahau areas, which are still quite wet.
- NZTA have announced that Rocks Road will be closed due to the weather from 11:45am - 1:30pm (the closure may remain in place longer depending on weather conditions)
Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere are monitoring their roads and may pre-emptively close some of the more vulnerable roads if conditions worsen.
Please keep an eye on local roads at: https://roadinfo.ramm.com/nz/roadclosuremap.html...
And State Highways at: Journey planner | NZTA Journey Planner
The MetService forecast is as follows:
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 13 Hours, from 9am to 10pm Tue, 29 Jul.
Area: Tasman from Motueka westwards
Forecast: Expect a further 70 to 90 mm on top of what has already fallen. Rainfall intensities may reach 15 to 20 mm per hour until early afternoon. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 14hrs from 9am - 11pm Tue, 29 Jul
Area: Tasman east and south of Motueka, excluding Nelson City District.
Forecast: Expect a further 70 to 90 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, particularly about the Gordon and Richmond Range, and 40 to 60 mm elsewhere. Rainfall intensities of 15 to 20 mm per hour are possible, especially during the afternoon. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 15hrs from 9am - midnight Tue, 29 Jul.
Area: Nelson City District and Marlborough west of Havelock and north of the Wairau River.
Forecast: Expect a further 60 to 90 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, especially in the ranges. Rainfall intensities of 15 to 20 mm per hour are possible, especially during the afternoon. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
Keep up to date with the forecasts at https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#upper-south