The Grey Emergency Operation Centre has been activated as floodwaters rapidly rise on the West Coast

The District Council's warning people to avoid floodwaters and non-essential travel - as it monitors rising rivers in Atarau, Dobson, Moana, Stillwater and Ahaura.

State Highway 7 is closed between Springs Junction and Reefton, with a risk of slips and surface flooding.

The closure follows multiple warnings across the South Island's highways due to heavy rain - with more forecast.