MetService has issued 14 severe weather warnings across both islands today as a spring-like system moves through.

Heavy rain is predicted along the west coast of the South Island with gales likely from the deep south up to Hawkes Bay.

The gales may reach 120km/h at times in exposed places.

WeatherWatch.co.nz expects mainly inland, less populated, places to be most affected by the gales and rain.

This hour winds are gusting to 75km/h in Christchurch, 100km/h on the hills around Wellington and 80km/h in Masterton.

For a full list of current weather warnings click here.