Canterbury and parts of south brace for heavy rain and gales

Parts of the South Island are in for heavy rain and possible severe gales today.

Metservice has a severe weather watch in place as a weather system moves slowly northwards across lower and central parts of the island.

From mid-afternoon today the Canterbury lakes area can expect heavy rain, possibly reaching warning criteria.

There could also be severe gales in the Canterbury High Country and about Arthur's Pass.

And strong north-to-northwest winds are likely about Fiordland, inland Otago and northern and western parts of Southland until early this evening.