MetService has issued a severe weather warning for parts of the Nelson and Marlborough regions, as heavy rain falls on the Richmond and Bryant Ranges.
In the five hours from 9am, another 25-40mm of rain is expected on top of what has already fallen, before the rain eases this afternoon as the front passes.
MetService advised people to watch out for surface flooding, slips, and rapidly rising rivers and streams in the area.
Heavy rain is also falling in Northland between the Bay of Islands and Whangarei, however this is expected to ease this afternoon. Showers are also forecast to be heavy for the eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty from later this morning through to this evening.
Strong westerlies may also become severe at times in northern Wairarapa and central Hawkes Bay tonight and tomorrow, while a deep low south of the country may also bring gale westerlies to the Otago and Southland areas tomorrow.
Heavy rain warnings for Westland, Buller, western Nelson and the Canterbury headwaters have now been lifted, as the rain has eased.