The Dunedin City Council is preparing for heavy rain and strong wind to lash the city as a front arrives in New Zealand with some unsettled weather.
Heavy rain and severe gales are forecast for central and southern Aotearoa from Monday until Wednesday morning, MetService said.
There is an orange heavy rain warning for many parts of the South Island, and MetService warns that heavy rain could cause streams and rivers to rise quickly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible, and driving conditions may be hazardous. There are also orange strong wind warnings in place too.
The Dunedin City Council said that, due to the forecast significant rain and strong winds, they are working hard to be prepared.
"Our contractors have been on the road since this morning clearing drains. The worst of the rain will come with strong, almost gale-force coastal winds," the council said.
"The MetService has predicted significant rain forecast over a short period of time. This will mean flooding in various locations around the city. Low-lying coastal roads are also at risk from associated wave action and especially on the 4:07am (Tuesday) high tide."
Dunedin City Council chief executive Sandy Graham said they have been making plans for just this kind of rain event and now they are acting on those plans.
"This is a whole of city event, but as always some areas are at higher risk than others. So we are focusing on low-lying areas where we know we have challenges," Graham said.
"Please look out for your neighbours, be sensible and take the precautions necessary now to stay safe and dry come later tonight."
Sandbags will be available from the Ice Stadium at 101 Victoria Road, Saint Kilda, Dunedin, as well as at Memorial Park Stadium Mosgiel, 187C Gordon Road.
There will be contractors there to help residents load sand and bags.
The council urges locals to act now while there's still daylight and the rain becomes a reality.
