MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for Eastern Otago, including Dunedin, with up to 120mm forecast to fall in the region.
In the 27 hours from 3am on Wednesday, it said 80mm to 120mm of rain was expected due to a slow-moving southeast front making its way over the Tasman Sea.
That was forecast to bring periods of heavy rain to the north and west of the South Island and Otago later today and early on Wednesday.
The bad weather would then move up country, with the North Island getting a drenching from late tomorrow until possibly Friday.
Some 200mm was forecast for the flood-hit Bay of Plenty and Taupo, with lesser amounts in other areas.
The remains of Cyclone Cook were likely to cross from about Bay of Plenty to Hawkes Bay on Thursday night or Friday, bringing more heavy rain, large swells and damaging severe gales.
