Weather update: 4 April 2025
Weather Update: 6:00 am 4 April 2025
Key Updates:
There has been significant rainfall across the region, especially in the Golden Bay area. In the past 48 hours, upwards of 400mm has fallen in the Golden Bay areas of Anatoki and Canaan Downs (just east of Harwoods Hole), with heavy intensities (30mm/hr).
Slips could have occurred on our roads, and assessments will be carried out at daylight. Please take care.
There is surface flooding across the region. Several rivers have reached annual flood levels. We are watching the situation, and resources are on standby if required.
We will continue to see rainfall throughout the day (Friday). Rivers and streams can rise rapidly. Please take care around these areas, and avoid them if possible. Treat any flood waters as contaminated.
https://www.tasman.govt.nz/.../environmen.../rainfall/report
https://www.tasman.govt.nz/.../environmental-data/river-flow
On the road:
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Nelson, Tasman & Marlborough have issued a warning for drivers to be prepared for wet weather driving and to take extra care on the roads.
There is surface flooding around Quarantine Road Roundabout on SH6 - so please take extra care when driving through this area.
Nelson City Council has closed Maitai Valley Road and the Manuka Street Ford.
Tasman District Council has closed Stafford Drive.
For ongoing roading updates:
Local road conditions: https://roadinfo.ramm.com/nz/roadclosuremap.html
State highway conditions: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/
Remember that wet roads are slippery so please drive to the conditions – reduce speed, increase following distances, and avoid sudden braking. Please use headlights if visibility is poor – be safe, be seen. The longer the bad weather continues, the greater the risk there is of slips, rockfalls, and flooding on the highways and local roads. Please take care if you have to travel and check the road conditions beforehand.
Weather Forecast:
The 8:55 pm forecast update from MetService New Zealand is as follows (we will update this when we receive the next update):
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 15hrs from 8pm Thu, 3 Apr - 11am Fri, 4 Apr
Area: Tasman northwest of Motueka
Forecast: In addition to rain which has already accumulated, expect 150 to 250 mm about the ranges and 60 to 100 mm elsewhere. Peak rates of 25 to 35 mm/h expected about the ranges. 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: 17hrs from 8pm Thu, 3 Apr - 1pm Fri, 4 Apr
Area: The ranges of Marlborough northwest of the Inland Kaikoura Range, including the Bryant Range and the Sounds
Forecast: In addition to rain which has already accumulated, expect 150 to 200 mm of rain about the Richmond and Bryant ranges, and 70 to 110 mm elsewhere. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected, mainly about the Richmond and Bryant ranges. 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 Watch
Period: 16hrs from 8pm Thu, 3 Apr - noon Fri, 4 Apr
Area: Nelson and Tasman about and southeast of Motueka, excluding the Bryant Range
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria, or possibly exceed warning criteria about isolated spots. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Hydrology teams from both Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere continue to monitor the catchments and we will post if there are any updates.
And a reminder - slips could occur on steep areas including Takaka Hill and the Whangamoa’s.
Track closures/Sports Grounds:
Tasman Pine Forests have closed their bike tracks to public recreation access.
- Hira, Lee Valley, Malita, Richmond, Riwaka, Starveall, Waimea, Wairoa
Nelson City has closed its sportsgrounds.
At home:
Please keep an eye on weather warnings and prepare accordingly for heavy rainfall.
Weather warning updates will be on https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#upper-south