18 severe weather warnings have been issued ahead of a fast moving and particularly aggressive storm predicted to arrive during Sunday and this evening MetService is indicating further warnings may be likely tomorrow.

Severe gales up to 140km/h are forecast for the east from Canterbury to Wairarapa developing late Sunday and lasting into Monday morning.

Heavy rain is also expected with up to 200mm forecast by MetService for some western parts of the South Island.  Heavy rain is also likely in the western ranges of the North Island to about Taranaki and further north in places like Bay of Plenty.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the low will explode in to life as it crosses the Tasman Sea and skirting southern New Zealand tomorrow night.

Since this story was first written before 2pm today the Tasman Sea has filled up with cloud cover as the low heads away from Tasmania and begins it’s rapid intensification.

“This rapid deepening, combined with a strengthening anticyclone to the north east, is an unusual set up that will create the severe gales.  Winds this strong can be destructive to roofs, powerlines and trees”.

Mr Duncan says the upper North Island will receive rain and strong winds also although not as severe as further south.

He says there will be a very good chance that more thunderstorms will spread up the nation’s west coast late Sunday and into Monday.

The deep low is likely to bring huge seas to the South Island’s southern coast tomorrow and Monday.

WeatherWatch.co.nz will have extensive storm coverage during Sunday and Monday – check back for updates and let us know weather conditions where you are by posting comments below our stories!