Heavy rain and gales on the way

MetService has issued a severe weather watch for Wairarapa, Wellington, Taranaki, Nelson and Buller as an active trough moves east over the country. Map for display only.

Heavy rain and severe gales in exposed areas are forecast for Wairarapa today and tomorrow.

MetService has issued a severe weather watch for Wairarapa, Wellington, Taranaki, Nelson and Buller as an active trough moves east over the country.

The trough is accompanied by a broad area of strong moist northwesterlies.

Rain could become heavy in exposed North Island areas such as the Tararua Range, Kapiti and the north of Wellington.

Northwesterly gales may become severe in some exposed areas.

A period of heavy rain is expected from later tonight, persisting through tomorrow morning in the Tararua Ranges.

During this time rainfall accumulations may approach warning criteria.

Commuters driving over the Rimutaka Hill Rd should be wary as gales may become severe. Northwest gales are expected to develop this afternoon but ease late Tuesday morning.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts as this is a developing situation and some of these areas are likely to be upgraded to a full warning and further areas may be added to the watch.