The west coast of the South Island is bracing for a drenching with forecasters warning of a "significant weather event" as rain moves in.
MetService says conditions will make outdoor activities hazardous this weekend as rivers and streams could rise quickly. Slips and surface flooding are also possible.
Motorists are advised the combination of strong winds and heavy rain is also likely to make driving dangerous.
Heavy rain has already set in over Westland with up to 450mm expected over the ranges this weekend.
The storm is forecast to move north over the next few days with 300mm of rain set to fall in the ranges of Buller and northwest Nelson along with gale force winds.
The Richmond Ranges and Marlborough Sounds are also forecast heavy rain over the weekend.
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