WeatherWatch.co.nz is this hour reporting that torrential rain over central parts of the North Island has finally eased.

Very heavy rain hit the National Park region yesterday and stepped up a notch early this morning before finally easing around 9am.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says those along the Whanganui River should be aware of the heavy rain upstream, with river levels likely to rise fairly quickly over the coming 12 to 24 hours as the flood crest moves downstream.

Yesterday the Tararua District Council said the flooding was building to a one in 200 year flood.

Meanwhile WeatherWatch.co.nz maintains it’s prediction that only light, patchy rain or drizzle will affect most of Canterbury today.  The latest radar and satellite images show very little rain in the area.

The only oatch of heavier rain was a large shower crossing the Northern Canterbury foothills.

Light drizzle or patchy showers is predicted for much of the week but WeatherWatch.co.nz says it’s very unlikely the rain will be heavy enough to cause any serious issues in the region.  It’s also good news for those living along rivers, such as the Waimakariri, which has badly damaged stop banks.

Warm, dry, nor’westers are forecast to return on Saturday.

Homepage image: Earthquake flooding, David Shone