Gales and heavy rain coming

Photo / APN

The lower North Island was last night on severe weather watch after gales and an active cold front were forecast.

Heavy rain was predicted for western parts of the country overnight.

Strong winds were expected to turn to gales this morning, with gusts of up to 120km/h in Wairarapa, Wellington and Marlborough.

Tree and powerline damage was expected and driving could become hazardous.

A weather watch was in place for western and northern parts of the South Island, Tararua Ranges and Mt Taranaki and heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected.

The heaviest falls were expected about the ranges from Fiordland up to northwest Nelson.

MetService was also warning rivers and streams could rise quickly and there was a possibility of localised surface flooding and slips.