A severe weather warning has been issued for the north and west coast of the South Island as heavy rain lashes the regions today and tomorrow.
A front was expected to move slowly eastwards across the South Island today and tomorrow, bringing heavy rain to much of the area.
Heavy rain would persist in Westland today and tonight.
The Canterbury headwaters south of the Rakaia River were also expected to receive a heavy dose of rain over the next two days.
Heavy rain was also predicted for the ranges of Buller and western Nelson, covering Richmond and Bryant Ranges.
