The heaviest of the rain appears to be over for the South Island. A few lingering light showers are possible about the north and west. Otherwise, no additional rain is expected. Meanwhile, heavy rain continues across a large part of the North Island.

Widespread flooding has already occurred in parts of the SI. Severe flooding cutoff Westport this morning.

WeatherWatch Facebook reader Laura Redmond says the Buller river was flowing across the road to Carters Beach. She said that is the first time she has ever seen it over that road.

WeatherWatch Facebook reader Maxine Hornell reported flooding in Nelson, Motueka and Takaka Hills, in addition to the road to Blenheim being closed due to flooding.

WeatherWatch Facebook reader Beverly Macks reported a lot of rain in Inglewood and New Plymouth with lots of surface flooding.

Here are the Heavy Rain Warnings still in effect:

• Mt. Egmont/Taranaki

• The Tararua Range

• The hill country of Waitomo, Taumarunui, southern Waikato and about the Central Plains

• Eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty

Rainfall rates of 10/15mm per hour can be expected in these areas through tonight. The rain may ease a bit at times, but the heavy rain is not expected to back off across the western regions until late tonight or early tomorrow morning. The western regions could see heavy rain through tomorrow afternoon.

Image/ Darryl Mallett

By WeatherWatch Analyst Howard Joseph