Environment Southland (ES) has activated its High River Watch on 8 Southland rivers after heavy rain drenched the province over the weekend (31 Aug-1 Sep).

ES advise the Aparima River at Dunrobin is 1.6m above normal and 1.7m above normal at Etalvale.

The Hamilton Burn at Waterloo Road, a tributary of the Aparima River is 2.1m above normal.

Irthing Stream at Ellis Road is 2m above normal.

The Mataura River at Fairlight Station is 1.9m above normal.

The Oreti River at Lumsden Cableway is 2.3m above normal and 1m above normal at Three Kings is 1m above normal.

The Upukerira River at Te Anau Milford Road is 1.2m above normal.

With more rainfall predicted over the following 2-3 hours, Environment Southland's Flood Warning Team will continue to monitor the stituation.

Meanwhile the Milford Road (SH94) has a moderate avalanche warning in place, with the road expected to reopen today (2 Sep) at 10am, after being closed overnight.

Southland's weather forecast from 45S Weather Services Ltd

Today

Moderate northerly winds, fine morning then high cloud increases this afternoon, rain gets into Fiordland this evening and spreads east overnight. Snow level rising to 2000m.

Tuesday 3rd

Rain dawn with a colder westerly change, clearing for a time in the morning then passing showers into the afternoon and evening. Snow level lowering to 800m by evening.

Wednesday 4th

A few early showers near the coast and in the Fiordland ranges, fresh west or NW winds. Snow level rising to 1200m.

Thursday 5th

Moderate NW winds, scattered rain in Fiordland but should be dry across most of Otago and Southand east of the main divide. Snow level up to 2000m.

Outlook

Heavier rain in Fiordland on Friday then a westerly changes and showers spread across the region on Saturday morning. Snow level may lower to 800m.