Here's what you need to know:

An Orange Heavy Rain warning remains in place for our region. The MetService New Zealand has updated the following:

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Period: 26hrs from 9am Thu, 3 Apr - 11am Fri, 4 Apr

Area: Tasman northwest of Motueka

Forecast: In addition to rain which has already accumulated, expect 300 to 400 mm about the ranges and 110 to 160 mm elsewhere. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected about the ranges from this afternoon. 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: 25hrs from 11am Thu, 3 Apr - noon Fri, 4 Apr

Area: The ranges of Marlborough northwest of the Inland Kaikoura Range, including the Bryant Range and the Sounds

Forecast: Expect 200 to 250 mm of rain about the Richmond and Bryant ranges and 100 to 150 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. Preparedness advice.

Heavy Rain Watch

Period: 26hrs from 9am Thu, 3 Apr - 11am 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 are monitoring our main rivers and catchments with an expectation of flooding at an annual level (or slightly above). This means you should take care around rivers and streams as there is a potential for water levels to rise quickly.

Slips could also occur in steep, prone areas including Takaka Hill and the Whangamoa’s.

To see the latest River flows, then go to https://www.tasman.govt.nz/.../environmental-data/river-flow

To see the latest Rainfall data, then go to https://www.tasman.govt.nz/.../environmen.../rainfall/report

On the road:

NZTA have issued a warning for drivers to be prepared for wet weather driving and to take extra care on the roads. 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.

If you're going to be on the roads during this time, check the road conditions before travelling.

- Local road conditions: https://roadinfo.ramm.com/nz/roadclosuremap.html

- State highway conditions: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/

Track closures:

Tasman Pine Forests have closed their bike tracks to public recreation access.

- Hira, Lee Valley, Malita, Richmond, Riwaka, Starveall, Waimea, Wairoa

At home or work:

Please keep an eye on weather warnings and prepare accordingly for heavy rainfall and possibly strong northerly winds.

Clear gutters and roadside grates at home and businesses to help keep storm drains clear. This will help prevent areas from flooding during heavy rain.

For further updates:
Keep an eye on https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#upper-south for the latest weather updates.