South Island set to be battered by torrential rain, 140km/h winds

The South Island will be hit by wind and rain over the weekend. Photo / Alex Burton

South Island residents should batten down the hatches as a large storm will be rolling in this weekend.

Several MetService weather watches and warnings are in place for the bottom of the South Island, from Invercargill to Christchurch.

From Sunday to Monday night, much of the island can expect severe gales - reaching up to 120km/h at times - which can make driving hazardous and bring down powerlines and trees.

Torrential rain is expected to affect Fiordland, Canterbury lakes and the rivers south of Arthurs Pass from 3pm Sunday to noon on Tuesday.

Fiordland could see peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h and overall rainfall of 170mm to 240mm – but for the lakes and Arthurs Pass it's even more dire.

"Expect 300 to 450mm of rain about ranges, with lesser amounts near the coast," MetService said. "Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h. Please note, that this warning could possibly be upgraded to a red warning."

Strong Wind Warning (Orange) issued for Canterbury High Country, Canterbury Plains, Central Otago, Christchurch, Clutha, Dunedin, Fiordland, North Otago, Southern Lakes, Southland, Stewart Is https://t.co/NNk22qxftv

— MetService Severe Weather Info (@MetServiceWARN) July 15, 2022

People are urged to keep an eye on the latest watches and warnings, as they may be updated as the storm grows closer.

Further north in Canterbury and Christchurch, severe winds are forecast with gusts reaching 140km/h about the high country and 120km/h further east.

MetService says the storm could be significant and has the potential to be damaging.

"People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, as some areas could be upgraded to red warning, and more areas added."