By 3 News online staff
Metservice has issued a severe weather watch for Fiordland, Westland, Otago and Canterbury.
Heavy rain, preceded by strong to gale-strength northerly winds, is expected to move slowly northwards across the South Island from late Thursday.
The heaviest falls are expected in Westland, south of Otira, and in northern Fiordland from Thursday afternoon through to Sunday morning.
Total rainfall may exceed 500mm in the Westland ranges, and Metservice says warnings are likely to be issued tomorrow.
People planning outdoor activities on the West Coast or near the Southern Alps over the coming days are advised that conditions are likely to be hazardous due to the combination of strong winds and heavy rain. Rivers and streams that run off the Alps could rise rapidly as a result of the rainfall.
3 News