Storm to hit country

A storm is brewing as heavy rain and severe gales are expected in many parts of the country today.

Most of New Zealand would be affected by a "significant" weather event today, with heavy rain due to lash Westland and most of the central North Island, MetService warned.

Severe gales were expected in many areas and could reach up to 130kmh in Taranaki, Taihape, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.

The wind had the potential to bring down powerlines or trees and make driving difficult. MetService was also warning people that the heavy rain could cause rivers to rise rapidly or create surface flooding or slips, especially on the South Island's West Coast.

Today's weather event is the result of a complex low system which deepened in the Tasman Sea before it reached New Zealand last night. It brought rain to many areas in the South Island before spreading north overnight.

Significant rainfall was expected today in the Taraurua Range, Mount Taranaki, Tongariro National Park, Taumarunui, Taupo and across to the ranges of Gisborne and eastern Bay of Plenty.

Gales were expected in Taranaki, Taihape, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne and in Westland and Canterbury. 

- © Fairfax NZ News