Central New Zealand is bracing for potentially damaging gale force winds as a wintry storm bears down on the country.

Wind warnings are in force for Wairarapa through to Canterbury with north-westerly gales of up to 140kph expected to pound both islands for the next two days.

MetService says winds of this strength could cause damage to trees and powerlines, lift roofs and make driving hazardous.

At the same time heavy rain will lash western parts of the country with warnings issued for Fiordland, Westland , the ranges of Buller and northwest Nelson and Mount Taranaki.

The heaviest rain is likely to be about the ranges of Westland where 350mm could fall today. 

There region would also be pounded by thunderstorms with intense rain and only have a short respite before being drenched by a further bout of heavy rain tomorrow afternoon.  

Snow is expected to starting falling in central  Otago and the Southern Alps tomorrow.

 It may affect  travelling on some of the higher roads and alpine passes, such as the Milford Road, the Crown Range Road and Arthurs Pass.

MetService said during the thunderstorms over Fiordland and South Westland there was likely to be intense rain and strong wind gusts.  There is also a small chance of coastal tornadoes.