South Island storm warnings issued as up to 500mm of rain forecast

Warnings have been issued as a "significant winter storm" approaches the South Island, with up to 500mm of rain expected in the coming days on the West Coast and heavy snow forecast for inland areas. MetService said a <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/24/significant-winter-storm-to-stall-over-south-island-from-midweek/">complex low and frontal system would become slow moving</a> over the South Island on Wednesday, bringing prolonged heavy rain which could turn to heavy snow in inland Otago and South Canterbury. The Westland District has been upgraded to an orange-level heavy rain warning, with 400 to 500mm of rain expected in the ranges and 150 to 200mm near the coast over 48 hours from midday Wednesday. <a href="https://www.tvnz.co.nz/player/newsclip/late-winter-storm-to-bring-heavy-rain-and-snow-down-south"><b>Late winter storm to bring heavy rain and snow down south - Watch on TVNZ+</b></a> Heavy rain watches are also in place for parts of Buller, Grey, Canterbury, Otago and Fiordland, with further warnings possible.