State of Emergency declared in the Nelson Tasman region
Weather Event Update: 10 July 2025 - 8:30 pm
The team at MetService New Zealand has updated the forecast this evening.
The positive part is that we are still on an Orange warning and have not jumped to a Red. We do however now have a wind watch now as well.
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 25hrs from 8pm Thu, 10 Jul - 9pm Fri, 11 Jul
Area: Tasman District northwest of Motueka
Forecast: Expect 150 to 220 mm of rain. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected during Friday afternoon. Moderate 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.
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 27hrs from 8pm Thu, 10 Jul - 11pm Fri, 11 Jul
Area: Tasman and Nelson districts about and southeast of Motueka and north of Lake Rotoroa
Forecast: Expect 100 to 130 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h expected Friday afternoon and evening. High chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Dangerous river conditions, flooding, and slips likely. Dangerous driving conditions and road closures are expected.
Action: Do not enter floodwaters and avoid unnecessary travel. Be ready for communication and power outages. Be prepared to self-evacuate if you see rising water.
Strong Wind Watch
Period: 9hrs from noon - 9pm Fri, 11 Jul
Area: Tasman District
Forecast: Northerly to northeasterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.
With the State of Emergency in place - we recommend that you avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe. Our roading network could again take a hammering - so take extra care, especially from 12pm.
Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere's Hydrology team continue to watch this event closely.
Ground saturation levels have built slowly over the day from light rain and heavier rain tomorrow will cause problems for our district. The wind has the potential to cause trees and branches to fall, especially with the soft ground.
There is likely flooding - which could range from moderate to large in size. There is uncertainty around this event so we encourage you to be cautious, especially with the changes and damage to the river channels.
State of Emergency declared:
At 4:47 pm on Thursday 10 July 2025, Tasman Mayor Tim King declared a State of Emergency for the Nelson Tasman region. This is a pre-emptive step, due to the existing conditions in the region, following the recent severe weather.
The declaration ensures that the response to any incoming weather tomorrow can be swift, to try and minimise the impact to people and property.
Nelson Tasman Emergency Management has been activated and will be monitoring the incoming weather. The weather front is expected to reach the Nelson Tasman region tomorrow from 9:00 am, with the worst of the weather expected around midday. This includes heavy rainfall and potentially strong winds.
People are being asked to be ready for the incoming weather and should make plans today before the weather arrives tomorrow.
Stock should be moved to higher ground, and people should keep clear of waterways as they could rise rapidly if heavy rainfall was to occur. Care needs to be taken around trees, as there is the chance of trees toppling with strong winds and the existing sodden ground conditions. It is recommended that people stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel, as road conditions will be slippery.
