A severe weather warning for parts of the South Island was issued by the MetService tonight.
The MetService said it expected a cold front to move quickly across the South Island tomorrow, preceded by a burst of heavy rain in the west and strong or gale force northwesterlies in the east.
In the period between midnight and 3pm tomorrow Fiordland could expect up to 80mm of rain. The service warned that people should be aware of rapidly rising river levels.
In eastern Otago and Canterbury wind gusting up to 110kmh was forecast, with potential to damage trees and powerlines and make driving conditions hazardous.
More heavy rain was also expected in Westland, Otago, Canterbury, Marlborough and Wairarapa during the day.
