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Iain McGregor / Stuff
On Friday, a high altitude moved east toward the country, bringing with it an active front that was expected to advance to the South Island on Saturday afternoon. (File photo)
A fair weather spell across much of the South Island is expected this week to be replaced by some wild weather as a front extends south this weekend.
A MetService spokesperson said a large rise was moving east into the country on Friday, bringing with it an active front that was expected to move to the South Island on Saturday afternoon.
He said the front, a strong, wet flow to the north, was expected to bring heavy rains to parts of Fiordland, Westland, Buller and Nelson and strong winds from the north and northwest of Fiordland, parts of Southland, Otago, the high country of Canterbury, Marlborough, Wellington and South Wairarapa.
Dean Kozanic / Things
Heavy rains and strong winds are expected to hit the south and parts of the lower North Island over the weekend. (File photo)
MetService issued a warning of heavy rain in anticipation of the wild weather.
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The Buller and Nelson ranges are expected to receive up to 120 millimeters of rain between 3pm on Saturday and 6am on Sunday.
The Westland ranges, south of Otira, on the west coast, will receive the heaviest rains, and are expected up to 150 mm between 11 a.m. M. Saturday and 2 a.m. M. From Sunday.
Fiordland is expected to have around 90mm of rain between 6am and 6pm on Saturday.
“Heavy rains can cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly,” he said.
“Flooding and slipping on the surface are also possible and driving conditions can be dangerous.”
MetService also issued a strong wind warning for parts of Canterbury and a strong wind alert for parts of the lower and upper South Island and North Island.
Northwest winds are expected to reach speeds of 120km / h at Canterbury High Country between 9am Saturday and 1am Sunday.
“Strong gusts of wind could damage trees, power lines and unsafe structures,” the spokesperson said.
“Driving can be dangerous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.”
A strong wind alert was also issued for Marlborough, Wellington and South Wairarapa between 6 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, where northwesterly winds can approach strong winds at times.
There may also be strong winds in Fiordland, the Southern Lakes area, and western Southland, with strong north-northwest winds expected between 11 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. of Saturday.
