Batten down! Heavy rain and severe wind forecast to hit parts of the country

Heavy rain and strong wind is predicted to hit parts of the country from later today. 

"This significant storm is expected to bring heavy rain to parts of the South Island, and widespread northwesterly gales to the South Island and and the lower parts of the North Island," MetService's warning said. 

A severe weather warning is in place for heavy rain around Westland, Fiordland and river sources of Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers from this afternoon to tomorrow morning. 

"The heaviest falls are about the ranges of Westland, where 120 to 180mm of rain could accumulate."

A strong wind warning is in place for south Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Kapiti-Horowhenua from 10pm today until tomorrow morning," it said. 

Strong winds are also forecast to hit Wellington, Wairarapa south of Masterton, likely to become severe this evening getting up to 130 to 140 kilometres per hour. 

Severe gusts up to 130km/h may also flow through Marlborough and Christchurch.