Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, the forecaster said. Photo: Unsplash / Erik Witsoe
MetService has issued severe weather warnings for parts of the South Island, and lower-priority watches for other regions across New Zealand.
A heavy rain warning from Friday night until Sunday afternoon is in place for the Buller region, with "periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms Friday night and during Saturday".
"A period of more significant heavy rain is then expected from Saturday night through to Sunday evening. In the 18 hours between 10pm Saturday to 4pm Sunday, expect 120 to 160mm of rain, especially about the ranges. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm/hr. Thunderstorms possible."
Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, the forecaster said.
"Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous."
Another heavy rain warning was put in place for the ranges of Westland about and north of Harihari, until 3pm Sunday.
"Periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms during Friday night and Saturday," MetService said.
"However, a period of more significant heavy rain is then expected in the 14 hours from 1am Sunday to 3pm Sunday, expect 90 to 130mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/hr. Thunderstorms possible."
A heavy rain watch was also in place for Tasman west of Takaka from Saturday afternoon until Sunday evening, and the North Island's Tararua Range, from Saturday morning until Sunday morning.
