Heavy rain, gales on the way

The MetService tonight posted heavy rain warnings for parts of the South Island and areas of the North Island west coast, and predicted north to northwest gales from Canterbury to the Wairarapa.

It said a deepening low was forecast to move over Fiordland and Southland on Sunday bringing heavy rain.

A rain warning was in force for the West Coast of the South Island and for spillover into the Otago and Canterbury headwaters from Saturday evening.

A warning for gales was also in force for areas from Canterbury to Wairarapa including Wellington.

"This watch is for the possibility of warning amounts of heavy rain about the Richmond Range, Marlborough Sounds, Tararua Range, the hills and ranges from Hutt Valley to Kapiti Coast and also for Mt Taranaki from Sunday afternoon until early Monday morning."

While gales were likely about Mount Taranaki and exposed areas of Manawatu, including the Kapiti Coast, they probably would not be severe except about high ground.

- NZPA