Stormy weather ahead for the country

Rough weather is set to descend on parts of the country today as westerly flows bring strong winds and heavy rain.

The westerly winds across the central North Island are expected to strengthen to gale force between midnight and midday tomorrow, concentrating in a band from around Hastings to Eketahuna, prompting a severe weather warning from the MetService.

"These winds are likely to be strong enough to damage trees and power lines, and make driving difficult, especially for high sided vehicles," the MetService said.

The strong westerly winds are expected to cover the South Island today, with a front in hitting Fiordland from this evening bringing moderate to heavy rain to the area.

The MetService warned that while the rain should clear in the late evening, people in should watch for rapidly rising streams and rivers as a result of the deluge.

- NZPA