Heavy rain, strong winds to hit South and lower North islands

Many residents in the South Island are in for a wet and windy night as heavy rain and severe gales blow in from the north, says MetService.

The strong winds and rain are also predicted to hit lower parts of the North Island.

This afternoon the forecaster issued some orange heavy rain warnings for parts of the South Island as an "unsettled northwest flow" was expected from later this evening into Friday.

Tararua Range, Buller District, Grey District, Westland District and the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers from Mt Cook to Arthur's Pass were all expected to receive at least 120mm of rain, with peak rates of 15mm to 25mm/h forecast.

"Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible," the forecaster warned.

"Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously."

Canterbury High Country was issued an orange strong wind warning as severe gale northwesterlies could gust up to 120km/h in exposed places.

Residents in affected areas were urged to prepare their properties by securing items that could be picked up by strong winds, and driving cautiously.

Heavy Rain Warning

Tararua Range – 24 hours from 2pm Friday.

Buller District – 37 hours from midnight tonight.

Grey District – 12 hours from midnight tonight.

Westland District about and north of the Glaciers – 12 hours from 10pm tonight.

Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers (Mt Cook to Arthur's Pass) – 12 hours from 10pm tonight.

Strong Wind Warning

Canterbury High Country – nine hours from 10pm tonight.

Heavy Rain Watch

Tasman District west of Takaka – 27 hours from 9pm Friday.

Westland District south of the Glaciers – 10 hours from 8pm tonight.

Strong Wind Watch

Wellington, Wairarapa and Tararua District – 15 hours from 11pm tonight.

Marlborough – 11 hours from 1am Friday.