The MetService has 19 severe weather warnings in place this morning
Periods of heavy rain and strong to gale northwesterlies are forecast for central and southern parts of the country.
A FENZ spokesperson says the worst may be yet to come for southern districts.
Dunedin civil defence has been monitoring the situation overnight.
MetSrvice says a front moving over the south island may bring severe southerlies, heavy rain and large swells to eastern parts of the South Island.
The Dunedin City Council had crews out clearing drains in preparation for heavy rain forecast to hit overnight and this morning.
Council chief executive Sandy Graham spoke to Corin Dann.
