Severe weather warnings have been issued by MetService for parts of Canterbury.
A Heavy Rain Warning Orange alert has been added for the headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers, south of Arthurs Pass.
Metservice says 150 to 180mm of rain could accumulate near the divide, and 90 to 130mm within about 20km east of the divide.
Metservice graphic
Peak rates of 20 to 30mm/h near the divide, and thunderstorms possible.
There’s also a strong wind warning in place for the Canterbury High Country.
The Metservice says severe gale north to northwesterlies are expected in exposed places, with gusts reaching 130 km/h at times.
