Residents are encouraged to prepare for rain and strong winds as Christchurch and Banks Peninsula catches the tail of cyclone Gabrielle from tomorrow.
The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for Canterbury and Banks Peninsula and forecasters are predicting that as much 100 to 160mm of rain could fall over the region tomorrow and Thursday.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for rain and strong winds which are predicted to batter Christchurch and Banks Peninsula from Saturday.
The rain gauges at Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens have confirmed that 2018 was one of the wettest years in the city’s history.
Forecasters are predicting a hot few days ahead for Christchurch but the second half of the week could bring some tidal flooding to parts of the city.
A total fire ban remains in place as hot, gusty north-west winds are forecast for greater Christchurch and Banks Peninsula for the next few days.
The National State of Emergency declaration will apply to the six regions that have already declared a local State of Emergency: Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Hawkes Bay.
A total fire ban is being put in place across the Christchurch City area, including Banks Peninsula, amid growing concern about the fire risk.
Contractors are clearing grates and making checks of Christchurch’s stormwater network ahead of a weekend of wet weather and king tides.
Fire conditions in Canterbury remain extreme with firefighters battling multiple blazes across the region over the past week.