It's been a wet night for some parts of the South Island, according to MetService.
The forecaster said Milford Sound recorded 73mm over the past 12 hours, including a particularly heavy burst of 17mm between 4am and 5am.
The forecaster said heavy rain was starting to set in along the West Coast, with orange heavy rain warnings in place for the Westland District ranges, Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass and Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound.
Up to 350mm of rain was expected for Westland District ranges, with peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected Monday morning and afternoon.
"Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible," MetService said.
People were urged to clear drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
A strong wind watch was also in place for Canterbury High Country until 5pm today.
Last week a polar jet stream brought a burst of wintry weather to the South island, with snow closing some state highways and strong winds blowing further north.
Current watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
The ranges of the Westland District - expires 6am Tuesday.
The headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers, south of Arthur's Pass - expires 2am Tuesday.
Heavy Rain Watch
The headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers - expires 11am today.
Strong Wind Watch
Canterbury High Country - expiring 5pm today.
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