Weather: Upper South Island warned to brace for more wild weather for third time in three weeks

Motueka has been hit hard by bad weather in recent weeks and could be in the firing line again. Photo / George Heard

For the third time in three weeks, the upper South Island has been told to brace itself for wild weather.

A state of emergency for the Tasman region was lifted on Monday after it was inundated with flood waters caused by last week’s heavy rainfall, dubbed by local authorities as a “one-in-100-year event”.

Homes were left uninhabitable, roads damaged, and properties were inundated with floodwaters.

Nearly 650 properties in the region were assessed, with 90 of those encouraged to seek further support.

Last week, the Government unlocked extra support for flood-affected farmers and growers, making up to $100,000 available to support and coordinate recovery efforts.

But the area isn’t out of the clear yet.

Another heavy rain watch is in place for the Tasman District northwest of Motueka and the Golden Bay area, from Wednesday 1pm until Thursday 3am.

Further rainfall has also been forecast for Friday.

MetService said there was a moderate chance with the watch upgraded to a warning.

It said while it remains a sensitive time for many, it’s important for people to follow the directions of local authorities and look out for forecast and warning updates.

A MetService duty meteorologist explained that low-pressure systems had caused the extreme weather over the past few weeks, but this week’s weather appears to be originating from a front off the Tasman Sea.

Contractors clearing a slip on Motueka River West Bank Rd last week. Photo / George Heard

Tasman District Council said in a statement on its website this morning that further rainfall could put pressure on already hard-hit areas.

“We can expect further surface flooding and ponding, in particular affecting roads and other low areas,” it said.

The council said it was too far out to know just how Friday’s rain would impact the region, but said the rainfall was forecast to be more widespread.

“These amounts are at the lower end of the scale, and we would not expect large rivers to flood to any significant level.”

However, it said people should be aware of how increased winds and rainfall could impact the region.

“There is also the potential for further landslips to be triggered. With increased wind, there is the risk of tree fall with sodden ground.”