Much of the South Island is set to be hit by a flurry of heavy rain and strong winds this weekend.
MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for the West Coast, Fiordland, and the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers.
Fiordland is expected to be hit first, with 150mm to 180mm of rain expected to fall between 12pm on Saturday to midnight. The humid northwest flow will head through Otago on Saturday afternoon, with up to 120mm expected to fall. Canterbury can expect a similar amount of rain later in the evening, while the West Coast south of the glaciers should expect up to 160mm. Those north of the glaciers should expect around 100mm.
Strong wind warnings have also been issued for Otago, Southland, Stewart Island, Fiordland, Wairarapa south of Tararua District, Wellington, the Marlborough Sounds, Kaikoura Coast and Rangesand the Canterbury High Country.
Severe gale force northwesterlies gusting 120km/h in exposed places are expected in Otago from 12pm, while damaging gusts of 130km/h are expected in the Canterbury High Country from 3pm. Winds are expected to ease in the south overnight.
Strong wind watches have been issued for North Otago, Canterbury Plains including Christchurch, and Marlborough Sounds
MetService has also issued a heavy rain watch for Buller overnight.
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