Updated 11.27am: Heavy rain is causing major disruptions on the West Coast.

Westport has been ground to a standstill after heavy rain began to fall in the early hours of this morning, with schools closed, surface flooding and the Buller Gorge closed due to two slips.

At least one vehicle is stuck between the two slips along the Buller Gorge.

Buller Mayor Garry Howard says locals need to take action to protect their possessions.

"Move stock up to higher ground at the present stage, and if your property does have water at the edges then stack your furnishings because it's going to get worse."

Garry Howard says they've had one power cut, but it has since been fixed.

Mr Howard is also discouraging people from going out to look at the flooding, saying it will only add to the problem.