Heavy rain forecast as front moves in

Heavy rain is forecast today for parts of the central North Island and most of the South Island. Photo / Greg Bowker

Heavy rain is forecast today for parts of the central North Island and most of the South Island as another front moves over the country.

Metservice has issued a severe weather warning for Taranaki, Waitomo, Taihape, Taumarunui, Wanganui, Westland, Fiordland, Canterbury, and Otago.

Forecaster Oliver Druce said more rain is on the way around Taranaki, the Waitomo hill country, and Taumarunui over to the Tongariro National Park, including the Whanganui River headwaters, although rainfall is expected to ease during the day.

"Meanwhile, further significant rainfalls are expected today over Fiordland, the Westland ranges south of Otira and the Otago and Canterbury headwaters south of Arthurs Pass," Mr Druce said.

Flooding is expected along the banks of the Waimakariri river, and as a result Main North Rd has been closed between Kainga and Wrights Rd. The road is likely to be closed for the next two days and a diversion is in place.

State Highway 94 (Milford Rd) has reopened this morning after it was closed at Knobs Flat due to a slip.

- NZ HERALD STAFF