15 Sep 2012

More snow forecast for lower South Island

11:54 am on 15 September 2012

Heavy snow is predicted for the lower South Island and flooding and slips for Nelson and the Bay of Plenty as a southerly front moves up the country.

Metservice has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rain and snow in Southland, south Otago and Fiordland.

About 100mm of rain is expected in Mount Aspiring National Park and 100mm in the ranges of north west Nelson until Sunday night.

A further rainband is forecast to bring about 150mm to Bay of Plenty, especially the ranges east of Kawerau.

Flooding and slips are expected as rivers and streams rise rapidly.

The Southland Regional Council says heavy rain has begun to ease off, but farmers on the Oreti river have been advised to move stock to higher ground after the river peaked two metres above normal near Lumsden.