MetService is forecasting severe weather for the South Island

A heavy rain warning hangs over the ranges west of Motueka, Westland, the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers, and north Fiordland.

The rain clouds are expected to roll in from this afternoon -- and hang around well into tomorrow.

A strong wind warning also covers Marlborough, Wellington and the Canterbury High Country.

Much of the rest of the lower South Island and its west coast -- as well as Banks Peninsula -- sit under a tranche of strong wind and heavy rain watches.