Flood Warnings and Emergency Measures in Place

Residents of the upper South Island are once again being urged to prepare for severe weather conditions, marking the third such warning in just three weeks. The Tasman region, which was recently declared under a state of emergency due to catastrophic flooding, is now facing another round of heavy rainfall and potential landslides.

Local authorities have described the recent weather events as a "one-in-100-year" phenomenon, with floodwaters leaving homes uninhabitable, roads damaged, and nearly 650 properties assessed for damage. Of these, 90 were identified as requiring further assistance. The government has already allocated up to $100,000 to support recovery efforts for affected farmers and growers.

Despite the lifting of the state of emergency on Monday, the region remains on high alert. A heavy rain watch is currently in effect for the Tasman District, particularly northwest of Motueka and in the Golden Bay area, from Wednesday at 1pm until Thursday at 3am. Additional rainfall is also expected on Friday.

MetService has upgraded the rain watch to a warning, citing a moderate chance of further extreme weather. A duty meteorologist explained that while previous weather events were driven by low-pressure systems, this week's storm appears to be linked to a front forming off the Tasman Sea.

Community and Infrastructure at Risk
The Tasman District Council has issued a statement warning that further rainfall could strain already vulnerable areas. Surface flooding and ponding are expected, particularly in low-lying regions and on roads. While the council acknowledges that Friday's rainfall is likely to be less severe, it cautions that even moderate rain can trigger landslides and tree falls due to saturated ground.

"We can expect further surface flooding and ponding, in particular affecting roads and other low areas," the council stated. It also emphasized the importance of residents staying informed and following local authority guidance during this sensitive period.

What Lies Ahead?
While the immediate threat appears to be manageable, the repeated nature of these weather events raises concerns about long-term resilience and infrastructure preparedness. Experts suggest that climate change may be contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms, making it imperative for communities to adapt and strengthen their emergency response systems.

As the region braces for yet another round of extreme weather, the focus remains on safety, recovery, and preparedness. With the ground still saturated from previous floods, even moderate rainfall can have significant consequences. Residents are being urged to remain vigilant and to heed all weather warnings and advisories.