Heavy rain warning for Fiordland

The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for Fiordland and the Westland ranges as up to 150mm of rain is expected to fall over the weekend.

Fiordland could expect a period of heavy rain tonight and tomorrow morning, mostly north of Doubtful Sound, while the ranges of Westland, south of Otira, should receive heavy rain from midday tomorrow through to Sunday morning.

"People in these areas, especially trampers, are advised to keep up to date with forecasts and warnings and should watch for rapidly rising rivers and streams," said forecaster Heath Gullery.

The front, now over the Tasman Sea, was expected to move north to Buller and Nelson during Sunday, bringing heavy rain to the Paparoa Range and the ranges northwest of Nelson.

- NZPA