A massive storm on its way to New Zealand, bringing with it widespread heavy rain and gale-force winds. From Monday, heavy rain was forecast on the South Island's West Coast, moving to Nelson and Marlborough on Tuesday. The North Island would get its dose of heavy rain on Tuesday, MetService meteorologist Andy Best said. Severe gales were also possible for eastern South Island areas on Tuesday and into Wednesday. Showers would start to clear for the South Island on Wednesday, and winds ease, but it would remain cold - Invercargill was expected to only reach 14C and Dunedin 15C.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 14, 2019 00:45 UTC