West Coast Emergency Management

08/09/2026

Awesome to see Bushcraft Kids exploring practical emergency preparedness 🌿

Today WCEM tagged along to go through the contents of a grab bag and chat about what items make a well‑prepared kit 🎒

Thanks for having us — great to see tamariki learning skills that contribute to community readiness and resilience 🤝

04/09/2026

GREY & BULLER DISTRICTS the MetService have issued a Orange heavy rain warning.

Situation
Northwest gales affect parts of the Canterbury High Country today. A large trough then moves onto central New Zealand tomorrow and early Monday, bringing heavy rain to many places, and possible snow to the mountain passes of the upper South Island. Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Area: The Grey and Buller Districts
Period: 21hrs from 6:00am Sunday to 3:00am Monday
Forecast: Expect 140 to 200 mm of rain about the ranges, and 60 to 90 mm of rain about the coast. Peak intensities of 15 to 20 mm/h Sunday afternoon and evening.
Minimal 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.

Issued: 9:18am Saturday, 5th September 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Saturday, 5th September 2026

04/09/2026

Hi West Coasters,
The MetService have issued a wave warning for Jacksons Bay to Karamea. This coincides with high tides of greater than 3m so care should be taken in coastal areas especially whitebaiters who may be unfamiliar with conditions around river mouths.
Rain that is passing up the coast also has a number of rivers at elevated levels. Please take care.

02/09/2026

A massive thank you to Hato Hone St John - West Coast for the donation of a new AED. Awesome work from our Haupiri, Kopara and Bell Hill Civil Defence Groups — your commitment and mahi behind the scenes truly strengthens our communities. Love seeing these projects come to life!

A Community Better Prepared ️💛

The West Coast Area Committee is proud to have donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the Haupiri, Kopara and Bell Hill community.

For this small and remote rural community, access to an AED provides an important layer of support during a cardiac emergency, helping local people respond while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

The AED has been installed in a central location at the bus shelter and will be available not only for local residents, but also for the many hunters, trampers, fishers, holidaymakers, contractors and other visitors who travel through the valley each year.

The donation complements the fantastic work being undertaken by the Haupiri, Kopara and Bell Hill Civil Defence Group to build community preparedness, resilience and connection.

We are delighted to support such a proactive community and wish to thank everyone involved in making this project a success. 👏

28/08/2026

🌊 Wave Warning for the West Coast

👣 White baiters, beach‑combers, fishers, walkers, runners, surfers — and anyone keen to get the sand between your toes after the rain — please be aware of a wave warning issued by MetService New Zealand from Jackson Bay to Karamea.

Please forward this on to those going near the beaches Sunday to Tuesday.

📅 WHEN:

⚠️ Sunday 30th August afternoon → Tuesday 1st September

🎣 Whitebait season starts on Tuesday 1 September, meaning more people will be around river mouths and beaches leading up to this.

🌕 It also coincides with large midday tides pushing over 3 m, increasing wave beach runup distances.

🌬️ What this means:

🌊 Expect bigger, more powerful waves than usual.

🚫 Take extra care near river mouths, rocky areas, and exposed beaches.

👀 Keep a close eye on kids, pets, and gear.

Issued by MetService 12.17pm Friday 28th August 2026

Valid from: 3:00pm Sunday 30 August to 9:00am Tuesday 01 September

Combined Wave:

North of Hokitika: Southwest combined waves rising to 5 to 5.5 metres Sunday afternoon or evening, and to 6 to 6.5 metres on Monday, easing below 5 metres Tuesday morning. Peak period 12-13 seconds.

Elsewhere: Southwest combined waves rising to 5.5 to 6 metres on Monday, easing below 5 metres Tuesday morning. Peak period 12-13 seconds.

Swell:

North of Hokitika: Southwest swell rising to 4.5 metres Sunday evening and to 5.5 metres on Monday, easing Tuesday morning. Period 12-13 seconds.

Elsewhere: Southwest swell rising to 5 metres on Monday, easing Tuesday morning. Period 12-13 seconds.

Wind Wave: Southwest wind waves 2.5 metres.

27/08/2026

Good morning 🌦️

Hopefully this is the last orange warning from Metservice for this current event.

It pertains to Buller District only.

There has been abit of surface flooding in Westport and complaints of people driving too fast through the water causing wakes to go into shops/properties. Please slow down or not drive through the water at all.

MetService Severe Weather Warnings and Watches 0945

Situation
A front over the upper South Island is moving north and becomes slow moving over the upper North Island on Friday as a low develops on the front, bringing a period of heavy rain. Severe northwest gales may affect some parts of central New Zealand today. Warnings and Watches are in force. Please stay up to date with forecasts.

Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Area: Ranges of the Buller district
Period: 5hrs from 9:00am Friday to 2:00pm Friday

Forecast:
Expect 20 to 40 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h.
Note, rain easing from the south.
Minimal 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.

Issued: 9:45am Friday, 28th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Friday, 28th August 2026

Strong Wind Watch – Yellow
Area: Canterbury High Country
Period: 6hrs from 11:00am Friday to 5:00pm Friday

Forecast:
Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Issued: 9:45am Friday, 28th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Friday, 28th August 2026

Cancellations
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange for Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur's Pass

Heavy Rain Warning – Orange for Ranges of the Grey district

Heavy Rain Warning – Orange for Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers

Heavy Rain Warning – Orange for Westland

27/08/2026

It's a wet morning Westport and surrounds. The heavy rain is causing surface flooding around town. Please take care while driving and slow down to avoid pushing water into properties. West Reef are out working to put up signage. The rain is expected to ease over the next few hours.

27/08/2026

🚗 Important Safety Reminder🚗

Be aware the overnight and current rain is again causing surface flooding. A reminder to be prepared for your journey and check council and NZTA website/facebook for updates.

Here are some key tips to ensure your safety on the roads:

Drive Cautiously: Reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Wet roads can lead to slippery conditions.

Avoid Low-Lying Areas: Be aware of potential flooding and avoid driving through waterlogged areas. It’s better to find an alternative route than risk your safety.

Stay Informed: Keep up with weather updates and road conditions. Check local advisories for any closures or hazards.

Use Headlights: Turn on your headlights during heavy rain to improve visibility and help other drivers see you.

27/08/2026

Good evening. Still abit of rain coming through for the coast. Below is the MetService New Zealand 9pm orange warning update.

MetService Severe Weather Warnings and Watches

Situation

A complex low and a frontal system lie slow moving over the South Island, bringing a prolonged period of heavy rain. The front moves northwards overnight Thursday, spreading the heavy rain northwards. Severe northwest gales may affect some parts of central New Zealand during Friday. Warnings and Watches are in force. Please stay up to date with forecasts.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Area: Ranges of the Grey and Buller districts

Period: 12hrs from 12:00am Friday to 12:00pm Friday
Forecast: Expect 70 to 100 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h.
Minimal 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.

Issued: 8:28pm Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 10:00am Friday, 28th August 2026

Area: Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur's Pass

Period: 14hrs from 8:00pm Thursday to 10:00am Friday
Forecast: On top of what has already fallen, expect 100 to 140 mm of rain about the main divide, and 70 to 100 mm within 20 km farther east, possibly more in localised areas. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected Friday morning about the divide. Freezing level 2200 metres.
Minimal 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.

Issued: 8:28pm Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 10:00am Friday, 28th August 2026

Area: Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers

Period: 6hrs from 8:00pm Thursday to 2:00am Friday
Forecast: On top of what has already fallen, expect 70 to 100 mm of rain about the main divide, and 40 to 70 mm within 20 km farther east, possibly more in localised areas. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected about the divide. Freezing level 2200 metres.
Minimal 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.

Issued: 8:28pm Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 10:00am Friday, 28th August 2026

Area: Westland

Period: 14hrs from 8:00pm Thursday to 10:00am Friday
Forecast: In addition to what has already fallen, expect 100 to 140 mm of rain about the ranges, and 30 to 60 mm nearer the coast, possibly more in localised areas. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected about the ranges.
Low 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.

Issued: 8:28pm Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 10:00am Friday, 28th August 2026

Strong Wind Watch - Yellow

Area: Canterbury High Country north of Mt Cook
Period: 7hrs from 1:00am Friday to 8:00am Friday
Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Issued: 8:28pm Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 10:00am Friday, 28th August 2026

Cancellations
Heavy Snow Watch - Yellow for Canterbury High Country south of the Rangitata River and Otago north of Arrowtown to Ranfurly

Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.

26/08/2026

Good morning. The latest 9.59am MetService New Zealand weather update below.

MetService Severe Weather Warnings and Watches

Situation

A complex low and a frontal system lie slow moving over the South Island, bringing a prolonged period of heavy rain and also heavy snow about some inland parts of Canterbury and Otago.

The front moves northwards overnight tonight, spreading the heavy rain northwards.

Gales are expected to affect some parts of central New Zealand during Friday.

Warnings and Watches are in force. Please stay up to date with forecasts.

🟠 Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Ranges of the Grey and Buller Districts

Period: 12hrs from 12:00am Friday to 12:00pm Friday

Forecast:
Expect 70 to 90 mm of rain about the ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h.

Minimal 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.

Issued: 9:59am Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Thursday, 27th August 2026

Area: Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur's Pass

Period: 21hrs from 3:00pm Thursday to 12:00pm Friday

Forecast:
Expect 140 to 180 mm of rain about the main divide, and 100 to 140 mm within 20 km farther east, possibly more in localised areas.

Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected Friday morning about the divide.

Freezing level 2200 metres.

Minimal 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.

Issued: 9:59am Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Thursday, 27th August 2026

Area: Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers

Period: 12hrs from 2:00pm Thursday to 2:00am Friday

Forecast:
Expect 100 to 150 mm of rain about the main divide, and 70 to 100 mm within 20 km farther east, possibly more in localised areas.

Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected this afternoon and evening about the divide.

Freezing level 1500 metres rising to 2200 metres this evening.

Minimal 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.

Issued: 9:59am Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Thursday, 27th August 2026

Area: Westland

Period: 27hrs from 9:00am Thursday to 12:00pm Friday

Forecast:
In addition to what has already fallen, expect 140 to 180 mm of rain about the ranges, and 70 to 100 mm nearer the coast, possibly more in localised areas.

Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected from this afternoon about the ranges.

Low 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.

Issued: 9:59am Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Thursday, 27th August 2026

🟡 Heavy Snow Watch - Yellow
Area: Canterbury High Country south of the Rangitata River and Otago north of Arrowtown to Ranfurly

Period: 6hrs from 9:00am Thursday to 3:00pm Thursday

Forecast:
Periods of heavy snow above 800 metres, where snowfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Note, lesser amounts of snow could fall as low as 400 metres.

Low chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Issued: 9:59am Thursday, 27th August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Thursday, 27th August 2026

Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.