Weather warnings are in place for most of the South Island - with strong wind and heavy rain forecast for the coming days.
Photo: RNZ / MARIKA KHABAZI
The heaviest rain is expected to fall in Westland and Fiordland, with widespread northwest gales forecast for Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago, Fiordland, Southland and Stewart Island.
An orange rain warning is in place for Westland south of Otira, which is expected to get periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms from Sunday through until Tuesday afternoon.
Between 300 to 450mm of rain is expected to accumulate about the ranges at peak rates of up to 25 mm/h, and 100 to 180mm near the coast.
Metservice says there is a chance this warning could be upgraded to red.
Fiordland is also due to get periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms from Sunday night into Monday.
Expect 180 to 280mm of rain to accumulate north of Doubtful Sound, and 120 to 180mm farther south at peak rates of up to 25 mm/h.
Across the West Coast and Fiordland the heavy rain could cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips were also possible and driving conditions could be hazardous.
In Buller south of Mokihinui, a heavy rain watch is in place for 24 hours from 9am Monday.
In Fiordland, Southland and Stewart Island northwest gales are forecast to be severe in exposed places, with gusts reaching 120 km/h between Sunday morning and Monday evening.
Northwest gales are also expected in Otago, Canterbury and Marlborough until Tuesday morning.
Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.