Parts of New Zealand are being told to brace themselves for severe wind and rain in the coming days.
MetService said an active frontal system is moving across the country on Thursday and Friday bringing strong winds and heavy rain to several areas.
In the South Island, heavy rain warnings are in place for the West Coast south of Otira with up to 120mm of rain expected about the ranges.
Meanwhile a strong rain watch has been put in place for parts of the Buller, Fiordland and Tasman districts.
In the North Island, a strong wind watch is in place for Marlborough, Wellington, and Wairarapa excluding Tararua District with northwest winds potentially approaching severe gale levels in exposed places.
Heavy rain warnings have been issued for two areas of the lower North Island, with peak rates of between 15 to 25 mm/h expected in the Tararua Ranges and Mount Taranaki.
MetService said heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
And it might not be the end of the severe weather.
"At the end of Saturday the low pressure system to our northeast is the next potential severe weather bringer."
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Area: Mount Taranaki
Period: 15hrs from 6am - 9pm Fri, 17 Nov
Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected.
Area: The Tararua Range
Period: 14hrs from 6am - 8pm Fri, 17 Nov
Forecast: Expect 70 to 100 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Friday afternoon.
Area: The ranges of Westland south of Otira
Period: 17hrs from 10pm Thu, 16 Nov - 3pm Fri, 17 Nov
Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain about the ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 20 mm/h expected.
Heavy Rain Watch
Area: Buller about and north of Westport and Tasman west of Motueka
Period: 11hrs from 1am - noon Fri, 17 Nov
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Area: Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound
Period: 15hrs from 7pm Thu, 16 Nov - 10am Fri, 17 Nov
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Strong Wind Watch
Area: Marlborough, Wellington, and Wairarapa excluding Tararua District
Period: 10hrs from 8am - 6pm Fri, 17 Nov
Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
