Orange warning for parts of South island as heavy rain, wind expected

Parts of the South Island are under an orange weather warning as a front moves northeast across southern and central New Zealand, which is expected to bring heavy rain and gale-force northwesterlies.

The bottom of the North Island is also expected to see some adverse weather later this evening, with the Tararua Ranges expecting to see 70-90mm of rain, surface flooding and potential thunderstorms.

Wellington is under a strong wind watch as northwesterly winds may approach severe gale force, particularly in exposed places.

The South Island sees a large part of the West Coast under orange warnings, with Buller, the ranges of the Westland District and Fiordland to Doubtful Sound all under a heavy rain warning.

All three areas can expect to see between 60-90mm of rain, with potential surface flooding and thunderstorms.

The South Island's Grey District is under a yellow heavy rain watch, with possible thunderstorms.

Canterbury High Country is under a heavy wind watch, where northwesterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.