Severe weather warnings are in force for parts of the South Island today.

Heavy rain and gale northerlies will hit the South Island from Sunday.

The orange level MetService warnings take effect from Sunday.

600mm of rain could fall in the Tasman region in the coming days.

Significant heavy rain will fall in parts of the South Island from Sunday, and the North Island from Monday, the MetService is forecasting.

600mm of rain could fall in the Tasman region in the coming days.

Over the long weekend orange warnings will be in place for Tasman, Buller, Westland and the Richmond Ranges.

Severe weather warnings are in force for parts of the South Island today.

Authorities are urging holiday drivers to take extra care due to possible slips, floods and road closures.

Orange heavy rain warnings and flood warnings have been issued for a clutch of places in the South and North Islands, with authorities urging drivers to take extra care.

Significant heavy rain will fall in parts of the South Island from Sunday, and the North Island from Monday, MetService is forecasting.

Travellers are urged to leave early to avoid heavy rain across key routes.

MetService said it is likely to “be a significant weather event affecting large parts of the country.”

Live - MetService is urging those in Golden Bay, Nelson, and the entire Northland region to prepare for potential flooding.

Live - MetService is urging those in Golden Bay, Nelson, and the entire Northland region to prepare for potential flooding.

A trough embedded in a humid northerly air flow is expected to bring heavy rain on King's Birthday.

Live - Multiple highways are closing as heavy rain is expected throughout the night.

Live - MetService is urging those in Golden Bay, Nelson, and the entire Northland region to prepare for potential flooding.

Up to 200mm of rain is possible in Northland, while Kaitāia has already had 30mm.

A raft of severe weather warnings and watches are in place for the West Coast and top of the South Island, and for much of the upper North Island.

Roads are still closed as as the MetService lifts warnings for top of South Island