WeatherWatch.co.nz is this afternoon reporting that heavy rain along the South Island’s southern and western regions is far from over as the low responsible continues to intensify and move closer.

Heavier rain over Southland has eased somewhat this afternoon but as the low approaches tonight heavy rain is expected to return.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says that winds have been relatively light today but tonight will pick up with northerly gales possible in exposed regions.

Another burst of torrential rain is likely from midnight tonight until noon tomorrow especially in the lower south western quarter of the South Island.

Gales are likely through the interior tomorrow.

By Wednesday a westerly flow will see more rain bands moving in over Southland and the West Coast.