Good morning, Coasters,
MetService have issued their latest weather warnings.

We've had the best Summer and here comes autumn...

A deep low over the Tasman Sea directs moist northerlies over New Zealand on Thursday and Friday. This system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, with the heaviest rain expected to affect northern parts of the South Island. This could be a significant rain event for the Tasman/Nelson districts, and there is a chance that warnings in the area could be upgraded to Red. Warnings and Watches are now in force for heavy rain and strong winds.

So... what does this mean for us?
It's going to rain and will be some quite high accumulations for rainfall near the ranges especially in the northern West Coast part of the region.
And just to remind us that Autumn is definitely here, some strong winds are also poking their heads in too.

🟠🟠 BULLER DISTRICT 🟠🟠
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 29hrs from 3am Thu, 3 Apr - 8am Fri, 4 Apr
Area: The Buller District
Forecast: Expect to 150 to 200 mm of rain, possibly 250 mm about the Paparoa Range.
Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Thursday afternoon till Friday morning.
Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

🟡🟡 GREY DISTRICT 🟡🟡
Heavy Rain Watch
Period: 27hrs from 4am Thu, 3 Apr - 7am Fri, 4 Apr
Area: Grey District and Westland District north of Harihari
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

🟠🟠 WESTLAND DISTRICT 🟠🟠
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Ranges of the Westland District
Period: 28hrs from 10:00pm Wed to 2:00am Fri
Forecast: Expect 150 to 200 mm of rain and possibly 250 mm about isolated peaks.
Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Thursday afternoon and evening with possible thunderstorms.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Please stay up to date with the latest forecasts. https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

Message No: 2
Issued 16:03 25 March 2025
This message is current and replaces all/any previous messages for this event.
Update as at 4.00pm.
The following assessment is unlikely to change
________________________________________

NATIONAL ADVISORY: TSUNAMI ACTIVITY – EXPECT STRONG AND UNUSUAL CURRENTS AND UNPREDICTABLE SURGES AT THE SHORE

We expect New Zealand coastal areas to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 6.8 earthquake near Southland at 2025-03-25 2:43 PM.

Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore.
People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.

AREAS UNDER THREAT: The West Coast of the South Island from MILFORD SOUND to PUYSEGUR POINT.

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN AREAS UNDER THREAT:
❗️ STAY OFF THE BEACHES AND SHORE AREAS
❗️ People on boats, live-aboards and at marinas should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore. Do not return to boats unless instructed by officials.

There is no need to evacuate other areas unless directly advised by local civil defence authorities.
Coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected as a result of this event. We are advising people to:
• Move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.
• Do not go to the coast to watch the unusual wave activity as there may be dangerous and unpredictable surges.
• Listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions.
• Share this information with family, neighbours and friends.

Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this Advisory is cancelled.

This National Advisory has been issued following an assessment of information available. The situation may change as new information becomes available. Listen to the radio or TV for updates, or check www.civildefence.govt.nzd.

END OF MESSAGE
________________________________________

Good Afternoon Westland
Met Service has issued a Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Westland District
Period: 24hrs from 6:00am Mon to 6:00am Tue
Forecast: Expect 150 to 200 mm of rain about the ranges, and 50 to 100 mm near the coast. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h about the ranges, especially in thunderstorms.
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.

💊 Medication Preparedness – Are You Covered? 💊

If a disaster strikes, access to pharmacies and medical facilities may be limited.
Plan ahead to ensure you have the medications you need to stay healthy and safe!

🩺 Medication Checklist:
🔹 At least 7 days’ supply of essential prescriptions (if possible)
🔹 Pain relief & fever reducers (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen)
🔹 Allergy medications & inhalers
🔹 Anti-nausea & anti-diarrheal meds
🔹 Spare glasses/contact lenses & solution
🔹 An updated list of the medications you take and why

📌 How to Store Medications in an Emergency:
🔹 Keep all medications in a waterproof, labeled container and check expiry dates regularly.
🔹 Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
🔹 If your medication requires refrigeration (e.g., insulin, liquid antibiotics), have a backup plan:
• Use a cooler with ice packs if the power is out.
• Consider a battery-powered or car-powered mini fridge for long-term outages.
• Contact your pharmacist to learn how long your medication can safely remain at room temperature.

👨‍⚕️ Tip: If you take prescription meds, ask your doctor about an emergency supply.
Share this reminder with friends and whānau! 💙

It can be a little stressful to think about all of this, but it’s less stressful to plan in advance than to wait until you’re in the middle of a disaster to try to figure it out!

#BePrepared #HealthMatters #EmergencyMedication