Much of the West Coast, is under an orange weather warning with up to 300mm of rain forecast to fall until later tonight.
The rain started yesterday evening and emergency staff have been on standby around the region in case the weather escalates.
Westland District Council has made pallets of sandbags available in Hokitika for people living in areas likely to be worst-affected by flooding.
Photo:
West Coast Emergency Management spokesperson Claire Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
