Strong winds, heavy rain, possible thunderstorms predicted to hit upper North Island

Heavy rain is predicted to hit areas in the upper North Island today, with a Heavy Rain Warning in place for Auckland, Northland the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, as well as areas of the South Island. 

MetService forecast 60-80mm of rain between 1pm-11pm today in Auckland, "mainly north of the city", as well as strong winds from 11am today to 1am tomorrow. 

The Strong Wind Warning for Auckland predicts some severe gales could get up to 120km/h in some places. 

MetService said the winds "could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures".

"Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles," it said in a statement. 

Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane is expected to get 100-120mm of rain between 1pm today and 1pm tomorrow. 

Northland has been given a Heavy Rain Warning, with possible downpours and thunderstorms until 6pm today, and the Bay of Plenty east of Te Kaha, and Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay is predicted to get 100-130mm of rain from 1am-9pm tomorrow.

The South Island isn't exempt, with rain set to hit Nelson west of Motueka, Westland and Canterbury as well. 

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