The Marlborough Sounds is preparing for heavy rain this weekend, just five weeks after major flooding in the region.
Flooding in Marlborough, 18 July. Photo: Marlborugh District Council
Marlborough Mayor John Leggett said the transition period out of the region's state of emergency had been extended for another month in order to assist with the recovery.
MetService issued a heavy rain warning for parts of Marlborough tomorrow and the council encouraged residents in vulnerable and isolated areas to be well prepared.
From 1am Friday, a heavy rain warning is in place for the Richmond and Bryant ranges, the Rai Valley and Marlborough Sounds with periods of heavy northerly rain and up to 120mm expected, with peak rates of 15mm/h to 25mm/h from Friday evening.
Marlborough recovery manager Dean Heiford said the approaching weather system was high risk.
"We are watching the situation carefully to ensure the state highway and local road networks are kept safe. Our roading teams are on alert and emergency crews will be out over the weekend and into early next week."
Queen Charlotte Drive has been closed except for resident access since the flooding on 17 July and the checkpoint will not be operating on Friday, with drivers urged to take extra caution.
The reinstatement of the checkpoint will be weather-dependent, and will depend on any unexpected slips or debris.
Critical roading repairs required as a result of the July storm in Marlborough had continued during the Level 4 lockdown, under an exemption from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Recovery teams from the July 2021 storms will not be operating in the Sounds, including Queen Charlotte or Kenepuru, over the next three days as there is a high chance of further slips and debris.
"We know that weather events such as this have the potential to cause delays or changes in road works," Heifford said.
"It's timely to remind all our communities that any roads that are closed or still being assessed should not be used, in the interests of ensuring everyone's safety."
He encouraged people to drive to the conditions, particularly on Queen Charlotte Drive between Picton and Havelock, which is vulnerable to new slips.
"Access is liable to change at any time with adverse weather conditions so we encourage people to take all precautions and avoid any road travel tomorrow if possible."
