Council urges drain clearance

With heavy rain and strong winds forecast for Nelson, the Nelson City Council is urging residents to clear leaves and other rubbish from any stormwater grills near their property.

``If sumps are blocked, rain water can quickly build up, adding to the risk of flood damage,'' council technical services manager Alec Louverdis said. ``Leaves falling and blocking the grills can be a problem.''

The Met Service has issued a severe weather warning for both the Richmond and northwest Nelson ranges during the next two days.

For the ranges of northwest Nelson, heavy rain is expected Tuesday night. It is predicted 160-200mm could fall in the 27 hours from 9pm Tuesday night until midnight Wednesday night.

For the Richmond Ranges, heavy rain is also expected overnight, with 100-120mm of rain expected in the 24 hours from 3am Wednesday until 3am Thursday.

The Met Service has also issued a strong wind warning for Nelson, with easterly gales expected to develop from early Wednesday morning.