The South may be in for a lashing of rain today as a strong moist northwest flow moves across the South Island.
A MetService spokesman said it was likely to bring heavy rainfall to Southland and Fiordland, and severe northwest gales might affect Southland and Otago.
Heavy rain, possibly reaching 15mm an hour, is forecast for the Southland region between 5am and 11pm today.
In Fiordland, 120mm to 170mm of rainfall is expected, and peak intensities of 20mm to 30mm per hour may fall about and south of Doubtful Sound this morning and this afternoon.
‘‘Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly.
‘‘Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous,’’ he said.
A strong wind watch was also in place for Otago, Southland and Fiordland between 3am and 3pm today.
The wind and rain were expected to ease tomorrow, he said.
