Wet weather continues to batter the South Island

MetService says heavy rain will hit the west and north of the South Island.

The heaviest is in Westland and the Canterbury headwaters, where a heavy rain warning is in force.

Up to 30 millimetres per hour are likely this morning.

Heavy rain watches remain for northern Fiordland, Buller, northwest Tasman and northern Marlborough.

Residents are warned streams and rivers may rise rapidly, and flooding and slips are possible.

Motorists are advised to take care.