Wild weather set to pound country

Police are urging motorists to take care as heavy rain and wild winds whip up the country today.

A front was expected to push through from the South Island to the North Island this afternoon, the MetService said.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain that are lashing the Southern Alps today are forecast to spread up to the Tararuas and Mt Taranaki, with 100-150mm due to fall between 6pm and 8am.

Significant rainfall was also expected to spill over into the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers, MetService said.

Trampers in both islands should be aware that rivers and streams will rapidly rise, the MetService warned.

Strong northwesterly wind gusts ahead of the front were forecast to hit the centre of the country, with gales reaching 120-130km/h from this afternoon until early tomorrow.

Wellington and the Wairarapa were expected to bear the brunt of the winds, MetService said.

Police have warned motorists travelling with high-sided vehicles or motorbikes to take extreme care in those areas.

The winds had the potential to damage trees and powerlines.

- NZPA