A severe weather watch for heavy rain is now in force for the Bay of Plenty.

The MetService says heavy rain is possible for parts of central New Zealand, and possible severe gales for the South Island west coast.

'A complex low pressure system over the Tasman Sea is forecast to move slowly southeastwards across central and northern New Zealand over the weekend, before moving away to the east on Monday,” says the weather organisation.

'This system is expected to direct a strong and moist southeast flow across the South Island during this time, delivering an extended period of significant heavy rainfall to Canterbury, and possible severe gale southeasterlies along the South Island west coast.

'In addition, an associated front is forecast to move eastwards across central and northern New Zealand on Saturday, delivering a relatively short burst of heavy rain to some areas.”

This is expected to be a significant heavy rainfall event for Canterbury, and a Red Warning for Heavy Rain is now in force for the region south of Ashley.

Dangerous river conditions and flooding are expected, says the MetService.

'Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.

'People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case further areas are added, or any changes are made.”

Image: MetService.

HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Area: Bay Of Plenty east of Whakatane

Valid: 12 hours from 12pm Saturday to 12am Sunday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and possible thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges.

Area: Taranaki, about and north of the Mountain

Valid: 12 hours from 6am to 6pm Saturday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and possible thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: The Richmond Range including the Rai Valley

Valid: 11 hours from 11am to 10pm Saturday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Canterbury about and north of Ashley, and Marlborough south of Ward

Valid: 10 hours from 1pm to 11pm Saturday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Please note, another burst of heavy rain is possible for a time on Sunday.

STRONG WIND WATCH

Area: Buller, and Westland about and north of Hokitika

Valid: 8 hours from 1pm to 9pm Saturday

Forecast: Southeasterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Westland south of Hokitia, and Fiordland

Valid: 44 hours from 1pm Saturday to 9am Monday

Forecast: An extended period of strong southeasterly winds is expected. Southeasterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places during this time.