Severe weather warning issued

Residents near Nelson and the Buller Ranges are being warned to watch out for rapidly rising rivers as heavy rain hits the region.

MetService has issued a severe weather warning.

A band of rain lying across central New Zealand is expected to bring intense falls of 20 to 30mm per hour to northwest Nelson and the Buller Ranges. The rain band should move north and weaken during the day, with falls in the Tararua Ranges easing during the afternoon.

Overnight rain has also caused problems on the roads in and around Wellington and police are asking motorists to take extra care due to surface flooding on State Highway 1 and State Highway 2. Police say motorists should drive to the conditions.

- NEWSTALK ZB