Heavy rain has settled in on the West Coast and rivers are raging as the downpour makes its way up New Zealand.
MetService issued a heavy rain warning for Westland between Otira and Haast on Sunday, saying rainfall could total to between 400 and 500mm, or possibly more. This is expected to ease in the evening.
The West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) says it deployed river engineers on Saturday to monitor the rising Hokitika, Wanganui, and Waiho Rivers.
A video taken on Sunday morning at the Waiho Bailey Bridge on Waiho River shows it raging following the deluge of rain.
Another video posted by the WCRC also taken of the Waiho River near Franz Josef shows stopbanks holding and the new extension "working as it should".
State Highway 6 around Harihari, which is northwards of Franz Josef, is closed at Harold Creek following a washout.
Police advise drivers to avoid the area.
MetService warns the heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly.
"Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous," they say.
There are other heavy rain warnings in Canterbury, the Tararua Range, and Mount Taranaki.
