The deep low off the Wairarapa Coast that brought stormy conditions over the lower North Island is forecast to move away to the southeast from late morning,with the rain and severe southerly gales easing. However, another 20 to 30mm of rain is still possible in parts of Wellington, Wairarapa, Wanganui, Taihape and southern Taranaki until midday today.

Also severe gale southerlies are still likely in exposed parts of Wellington, Wanganui and coastal Wairarapa until late morning, with gusts of 140 km/h possible, however the winds should rapidly ease from midday.

People in these areas are advised to watch for further potential flooding and rapidly rising rivers. Also, the winds could cause further damage to trees,powerlines and lift roof iron, as well as making driving conditions hazardous,especially for large trucks or vehicles towing caravans.

More Detailed Information For Emergency Managers And Technical Users Follows:

HEAVY RAIN WARNING.

AREA/S AFFECTED: WAIRARAPA, EASTERN HILLS OF WELLINGTON, THE WANGANUI HILL COUNTRY, MT TARANAKI, TAIHAPE AND HAWKES BAY SOUTH OF NAPIER FORECAST:

WAIRARAPA, EASTERN HILLS OF WELLINGTON, THE WANGANUI HILL COUNTRY, MT TARANAKI, TAIHAPE AND HAWKES BAY SOUTH OF NAPIER In the 4 hours from 8am to midday Monday, another 20 to 30mm of rain is possible in some places, before clearing this afternoon.

STRONG WIND WARNING.

AREA/S AFFECTED: EXPOSED PARTS OF WELLINGTON, WANGANUI AND COASTAL WAIRARAPA FORECAST:

WELLINGTON, WANGANUI AND COASTAL WAIRARAPA Severe southerly gales are still likely, especially about exposed hill tops,with gusts of 140 km/h possible until 10am Monday. The winds should rapidly ease from midday.

WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE

STRONG WIND WARNINGS HAVE BEEN LIFTED FOR: FOR SOUTHERN TARANAKI The southerly gales have eased. NO FURTHER WARNINGS WILL BE ISSUED FOR THIS EVENT FOR THE ABOVE AREAS.

NEXT SEVERE WEATHER WARNING WILL BE ISSUED AT OR BEFORE 2:00pm Monday 16-Feb-2004

Forecast prepared by: Andy Downs - A service provided through a contract with the Crown

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