Weather: ‘Major weather system’ on the way for New Zealand, warnings issued [Video]

The country is in for a drenching as forecasters expect a looming weather system will bring rain up to two times the April normal from tonight.

It’s prompted West Coast Emergency Management to start preparations for the incoming weather and warn residents to review their emergency plans.

MetService said starting on Monday night a “major weather system” will bring rain to New Zealand over the next few days, starting in the west.

“A front is expected to move northwards over Fiordland on Tuesday, and become slow moving in Westland during Wednesday and Thursday,” MetService said. 

“A humid north to northwest flow precedes the front, and is expected to bring periods of heavy rain to Fiordland and Westland, and strong north to northwest winds to Fiordland and the Canterbury High Country.”

MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings for parts of Westland, Otago and Fiordland from Tuesday morning.

Heavy rain watches …