MetService has issued a severe weather warning with heavy rain and possible severe gales expected for parts of central and southern New Zealand.

A low is expected to move eastwards across central North Island today, delivering heavy rain to parts of the North Island from southern Waikato and Bay of Plenty down to the Kapiti Coast and northern Wairarapa.

On Sunday, a cold front should move onto the South Island from the southwest, bringing westerly gales to the far south. Watches and Warnings are in place for heavy rain and severe gales.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made, or further areas are added.

Heavy Rain Warning
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Tongariro National Park and Kaimanawa Forest park
Valid: 5 hours from 9:00am Sat 22 Apr to 2:00pm Sat 22 Apr
Forecast: Expect a further 30 to 50 mm of rain to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm/h.

Area: Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast, and the Tararua Range
Valid: 3 hours from 9:00am Sat 22 Apr to 12:00pm Sat 22 Apr
Forecast: Expect a further 30 to 40 mm of rain to accumulate about the Tararua Range, and 15 to 30 mm elsewhere. These amounts are in addition to what has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm/h.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Waikato south of Te Awamutu, Waitomo, Taumarunui, and Taupo excluding Kaimanawa Forest Park
Valid: 4 hours from 9:00am Sat 22 Apr to 1:00pm Sat 22 Apr
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach short-duration warning criteria, mainly about higher ground.

Area: The ranges of Bay of Plenty east of Opotiki
Valid: 11 hours from 1:00pm Sat 22 Apr to 12:00am Sun 23 Apr
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Thunderstorms possible. Rainfall amounts may reach warning criteria.

Area: Wairarapa north of Carterton
Valid: 3 hours from 9:00am Sat 22 Apr to 12:00pm Sat 22 Apr
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may reach short-duration warning criteria.

Area: Northern Taranaki including the Mountain
Valid: 3 hours from 9:00am Sat 22 Apr to 12:00pm Sat 22 Apr
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach short-duration warning criteria.

Area: Manawatu
Valid: 5 hours from 9:00am Sat 22 Apr to 2:00pm Sat 22 Apr
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach short-duration warning criteria.

Strong Wind Watch
Area: Coastal Southland and Clutha, including Stewart Island
Valid: 11 hours from 12:00pm Sun 23 Apr to 11:00pm Sun 23 Apr
Forecast: Westerly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.