The West Coast's gearing up to face the worst of its poor weather today

Westland's in line for 25-to-35 millimetres of rain an hour this morning -- the severe rain and wind expected to move up the country, and reach the North Island by the weekend.

Plans are in place to ensure an Emergency Operation Centre can be activated, if required.

MetService Meteorologist, John Law says while Westland's wet weather will slightly ease this afternoon, it comes back tomorrow morning.

He says while residents will feel two bites of the worst of the weather -- poor conditions will be felt throughout.