Photo: Stephen JaquieryCivil defence authorities in Southland have sandbags ready in parts of the Mataura River catchment, in case of major problems caused by ex-tropical cyclone Uesi. The weather system is sitting to the southwest of the South Island and heavy rain warnings are in force in some areas. Heavy rain warnings are in force for Fiordland and the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers, with the worst of the weather expected to hit mid-afternoon. "This system is expected to bring periods of heavy rain to the west of the South Island including Stewart Island during today and early Monday." MetService issued a heavy rain warning for Fiordland, the headwaters of the Otago lakes and river and Westland - as well as elsewhere in the South Island.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 16, 2020 00:22 UTC