The MetService has issued a heavy rain warning (orange) for the headwaters of our lakes and a wind warning for Otago.

Heavy rain is expected for the 36 hour period from 1pm today (Sunday July 17) until 1am Tuesday morning with 250 to 350mm of rain about the divide, and 130 to 200mm within 20km east of the divide.

Peak rates will see 15 to 25 mm/h about the divide.

Northwest gales may be severe in exposed places in Otago from 1pm today until 11pm Monday night.

Significant snowfall is expected above 1100 metres over the next two days with Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone forecast to receive over a metre of snow by Wednesday.

Expect heavy rain in the west of the South Island and about the headwaters of the our lakes and rivers.

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

See Reports in your Wānaka App.