Heavy rain is expected to hit western parts of the country, with between 140 to 180mm of rain likely in the ranges of Westland from today.

MetService has issued a severe weather warning for the western ranges of Nelson and Westland and also for Mt Taranaki.

A low over the Tasman Sea is expected to move southeast and cross southern New Zealand late today.

Heavy rain over Nelson and Mt Taranaki should ease this afternoon, with 30-50mm expected in Nelson and 50mm expected around Mt Taranaki from 8am and 2pm.

Rain is expected to become heavier over Westland this morning, then ease Saturday morning, with between 140 to 180mm of rain likely in the ranges of Westland.

The heaviest falls are likely to be this afternoon and evening with rainfalls rates of 25mm per hour possible in the ranges.

MetService also has a severe weather watch in place for northern Marlborough and the Tararua Ranges, with heavy rain today expected to ease this afternoon.

People in these areas are advised to be wary of rapidly rising streams and rivers and hazardous driving conditions. Further significant rain is expected in these areas over the weekend, with more warnings likely.

Warnings have been lifted for the Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty have been lifted as heavy rain overnight has now eased.

– NZHEREALD STAFF