Heavy downpours and strong winds are on the way for most of the country - with thunderstorms looming tonight in the North

MetService has issued severe weather warnings for coming few days - as an active front moves east over the Tasman.

Heavy snowfall's expected to reach about 700 metres in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes - with watches from later today.

Metereologist John Law says the rain's crossing the country today and into tomorrow - with northern and western facing areas at particular risk.

He says heavy falls could make streams and rivers rise rapidly, making road conditions tricky.