Wet and wild weather is forecast for much of the South Island today, with heavy rain and strong winds forecast for several regions.
Photo: 123rf
Heavy rain is forecast to start falling in Fiordland from 3pm this afternoon, and the front will move up the South Island dumping up to 250 millimetres in some catchments.
MetService meteorologist Tahlia Crabtree said a front on the West Coast is moving north.
"And we're expecting heavy rain there to get up to 150 to 250 mills along the West Coast, as well as some lesser amounts around Fiordland, so yes it's very windy and wet around the South Island."
Crabtree said gusts reaching 120km/h are forecast to continue lashing the Canterbury high country until Monday morning, and Otago and Southland may also get a battering.
She said drivers, particularly those in the Canterbury high country, should monitor the Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi for updates on road conditions.
The MetService has heavy rain warnings in place for the headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers, for Fiordland north of Resolution Island, Westland and for Canterbury rivers and lakes south of Arthur's Pass.
It warns that the heavy rain may cause rapidly rising rivers, surface flooding and make driving conditions hazardous.
There is also a strong wind warning in place for Canterbury high country with gusts forecast to reach 120km/h.