A deluge is set to hammer parts of the South Island on Sunday, with warnings of the possibility of flooding and slips.
The heaviest rain is expected in Tasman, northwest of Motueka, where up to 170mm could fall around the ranges, MetService said.
An orange heavy rain warning is in place there from 10am Sunday to 1am Monday.
“Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly,” the forecaster said. “Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.”
There are further orange heavy rain warnings in place for the Richmond and Bryant Ranges and the Rai Valley from midday Sunday to 3am Monday, the Paparoa Range and the ranges of the Buller District south of Seddonville and northwest of Reefton from 10am-10pm Sunday, and the ranges of the Westland District from 8am-11pm Sunday.
Heavy rain watches have been issued for Mt Taranaki, the Tararua Range and the Canterbury headwaters on Sunday, while a strong wind watch has been issued for Wellington, including the Remutaka Hill Road.