Wild weather: Heavy rain and severe gales forecast in quake-hit areas

Heavy rain and severe winds have been forecast to hit some parts of the country already dealing with the aftermath of yesterday's earthquake.

The MetService issued new weather warnings and watches just after 6am today, including a heavy rain warning over Wellington.

Between 50 to 60mm of rain is forecast to fall in the capital this morning.

A front is forecast to cross the North Island today, preceded by heavy rain, possible thunderstorms and north to north-west gales.

The heaviest falls are expected to be in the ranges of Westland, Buller and Nelson, where between 80 to 120mm of rain is likely to fall in addition to earlier downpours.

"Severe gale north to north-west winds in exposed parts of Taranaki, Wellington, Wairarapa and Marlborough should ease about the upper South Island around mid-morning Tuesday and the lower North Island around midday Tuesday.''

Gusts of up to 140km/h are expected in Marlborough until about midday today and Wellington, Wairarapa and Taranaki until late this morning.

The MetService warned that the winds were powerful enough to lift roofs, bring down powerlines, damage trees and make driving difficult.