MetService has issued a severe weather warning ahead of a front that was expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to the South Island's west coast, and the lower North Island over the next two days.
A front is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to the South Island west coast, and the lower North Island. Photo: John Law / MetService
Up to 160 millimetres of rain was forecast for Fiordland and the Westland ranges, and
MetService said this was likely to swell the headwaters of rivers in Otago and Canterbury.
It warned people in these areas to watch out for rapidly rising rivers and streams.
Wind gusts of up to 140 km per hour were forecast in Fiordland, and exposed inland areas of Southland, Otago and Canterbury tomorrow.
Severe gales were also forecast for Wellington and Wairarapa from tomorrow through to Monday morning.