Heavy rain and severe gales have eased

Heavy rain and severe gale northwesterlies have eased, and all warnings and watches have been lifted.

Warnings no longer in Force

Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound: Rain has eased, and the warning has been lifted.

Heavy Rain Warning lifted for The headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers: Rain is easing this morning, and the warning has been lifted.

Strong Wind Warning lifted for Canterbury High Country: Northwest gales have eased, and the warning has been lifted.

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Waka Kotahi is urging South Island drivers to take particular care on the roads today with bad weather forecast in some areas.

MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for Buller from 1-9pm today and for Westland south of Otira and Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound from 9am today until 6am on Monday.

It has issued a strong wind warning for the Canterbury High Country with gusts of up to 130km/h until 6am on Monday.

There is a heavy rain watch in place for the Marlborough Sounds, Nelson and Westland north of Otira and the headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers and a heavy wind watch for Central Otago and

Queenstown Lakes districts.

In a statement, Waka Kotahi said there was an increased risk of localised flooding, slips, and debris across the state highway network in these areas.

Drivers should regularly check the weather and their route before setting off, it said.

"Road users should drive to the conditions, use their headlights if visibility is poor, and watch their speed and following distances," it said.

High-sided vehicles and motorbikes should be especially careful travelling in strong winds, it said.