A red heavy rain warning is in place for Westland with up to 800 millimetres of rain expected in the ranges and up to 200 millimetres on the coast.
A close watch is also being kept on the Grey District which is under an orange heavy rain warning.
At least five-hundred sandbags are being made available for Hokitika residents as the heavy rain approaches.
West Coast Civil Defence Group Controller Te Aroha Cook spoke to Charlotte Cook.