The West Coast is preparing for a serious rain event with the Met Service now warning of up to 62 hours of heavy rain forecast between Tuesday and Thursday.
Orange heavy rain warnings and watches are in place for the Westland District, Otago and Fiordland - along with gale force winds as a front moves in from the Tasman Sea.
MetService has said they could be upgraded to a red warning.
The west coast of south of Hokitika looks set to get the heaviest drenching and civil defence officials have already swung into action.
Westland District Mayor Helen Lash spoke to Charlotte Cook.
