A heavy rain watch has been issued by MetService for Eastern Otago, including North Otago, for Thursday and Friday. 

Heavy rain had already been forecast for many areas of the country, with heavy snow for southern parts of the South Island, but Eastern Otago has now been added to the list.

An active front over the Tasman Sea is expected to move eastwards across the country from late Tuesday through to Friday, bringing with it a blast of cold, wet weather.

The watch has been issued for North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha, for a 33-hour period from 3am Thursday (3 October), to noon on Friday. 

A brief period of heavy rain is also expected tomorrow afternoon and evening before the easterly rain sets in early Thursday morning. There is a high chance the watch will be upgraded to a warning - with the risk of streams and rivers rising rapidly, surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions.

People are encouraged to clear drains and gutters to prepare for the rain, and drive cautiously.