Heavy rain and severe gales has the South Island littered with weather warnings - as drivers are urged to take care

MetService has issued Orange rain warnings for the bottom of the North Island, the Tasman ranges, and the Grey, Buller, and Westland Districts

Parts of Fiordland and the head waters of the Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers are also being warned of a drenching.

Meanwhile an Orange wind warning is in place for the Marlborough Sounds, Kaikoura and the Canterbury High Country.

NZTA says is urging caution on exposed routes such as parts of Transmission Gully, and State Highways at the top of the South Island 12-08-24 1225