Heavy rain expected to hit much of the country

Rain over much of the country is expected to continue though the day and rain and gale warnings are in place for many areas.

Heavy rain are in place warnings for central and southern parts of New Zealand.

Mount Taranaki, Nelson and Northern Marlborough are expected to see the worst of the rain, with between 130 and 150mm. Downpours could cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly and surface flooding.

A heavy rain watch is in place for the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, North Otago, Canterbury, Westland and Buller.

The watches for North Otago and large parts of Canterbury are in place until 4pm and MetService says southeasterly rain could be heavy at times and rainfall accumulation may approach warning criteria.

Gale warnings are in place around most of the country. Winds of 35 knots gusting 50 knots are expected in some areas by late afternoon and early evening

"A low over the Tasman Sea moves across central New Zealand on Tuesday, bringing rain to many areas," MetService says.

"An associated front brings a period of heavy northerly rain to exposed regions from Buller to East Cape.

"Meanwhile, as the low approaches and crosses central New Zealand, a period of southeasterly rain is forecast for eastern parts of the South Island."

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