ORC is cautioning people - both those staying at home or travelling for Labour Weekend - to be aware of expectations of heavy rainfall and the possibility of “unseasonable snow” to lower levels, mainly in inland Otago areas tomorrow.

A weather front headed north up the West Coast at present is expected to loop over the Alps and come down into Central and North Otago and possibly coastal areas, from mid-Saturday through to a peak about midnight on Saturday ORC general ganager science and resilience Tom Dyer said

“While the weather has been relatively benign around most of Otago the past few days, heavy rain is expected tomorrow, which could cause ponding or minor surface flooding in some areas.

There is also unseasonal snow forecast to above 600 metres inland, but there’s potential it could lower to around 400m, or less in some areas,” he said.

At noon, a MetService Heavy Snow Warning remains in place for the Queenstown Lakes District and Central Otago.

Rain in Otago during Saturday to midnight is expected to total 30-50mm, falling “steadily” at around 5mm per hour, which that itself is unlikely to trigger alerts, but Mr Dyer says the still sodden ground from the October 3-6 flooding in coastal Otago and some areas inland is the concern.

“The rainfall is likely sheet off the land directly into waterways, which then poses the problem of accumulation and possible surface flooding,” he said.

If travelling tomorrow, people should expect to drive to likely deteriorating conditions and should consider carrying snow chains, with possible disruptions to journeys.

While most Southern rivers had already peaked during the past 36 hours from the first front, the second front tomorrow could again see rivers and streams, which could pose dangers for people looking to ford waterways.

“If in any doubt, don’t attempt to cross swollen rivers,” he cautioned.

The rural sector should be considering plans to potentially move stock from low lying areas, and how they can later be fed.

Anyone with concerns should visit ORC’s Environment Data Portal here

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has ''activated'' its staff ahead of the weather front this weekend and streams, rivers and lake levels across Otago will be actively monitored and relevant councils updated around any forecast flooding concerns.

MetService forecast

At about noon today, MetService reported a deepening low over the Tasman Sea was approaching the South Island on Saturday.

Area: Queenstown Lakes District

Period: 18 hours from 6am Sat Oct 26 to 12am Sun Oct 27

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

Note, rain is likely to fall as heavy snow above 600 metres, and a Heavy Snow Warning is in place for the Queenstown Lakes District and Central Otago.

Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: North Otago and Dunedin

Period: 15 hours from 9am Sat Oct 26 to 12am Sun Oct 27

Forecast: Rain, heavy at times. Amounts may approach warning criteria.

Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Fiordland

Period: 23 hours from 8am Sat Oct 26 to 7am Sun Oct 27

Forecast: Southeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.