Photo: ODT FilesThe MetService has issued a severe weather watch for Eastern Otago and Southland as strong winds and heavy rain settles in. In Eastern Otago MetService is predicting rainfall accumulation may approach short duration warning amounts (40mm in 12 hours) from 6am to 6pm today. North Canterbury and the Kaikoura Ranges will also be deluged by heavy rain in the coming 12 hours. Forecasters warn the thunderstorms were likely to lash many regions with outbursts of heavy rain, hail and strong wind gusts of up to 100kmh. A far lower risk of stormy weather was likely for the remaining eastern and southern parts of the North Island and top of the South Island.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 17, 2017 20:15 UTC