Some Marlborough residents are preparing to evacuate, as wild weather batters the region

MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the area until 6pm tomorrow, with up to 30 millimetres an hour - of rain expected.

Mayor Nadine Taylor declared a local state of emergency for part of Marlborough, ahead of the precautionary evacuation of Spring Creek at 6am.

A Civil Defence Centre will open at Blenheim's Stadium 2000 from 9am.

Tuamatene Marae and Grovetown will also be open at 7am tomorrow, providing hot drinks and food.