Many Kiwis are urged to be prepared ahead of an expected period of severe weather hitting in the north from this afternoon.
Heavy rain and strong wind warnings are in place for much of the upper North Island.
"With strong winds expected from the second half of Sunday, make sure you are prepared for potential impacts - especially if there is a strong wind warning or watch for your location," MetService said on social media.
"Make sure you are also prepared for heavy rain," the forecaster added.
It comes as the remnants of Cyclone Lola – which devastated much of Vanuatu this week – make their way towards New Zealand.
Orange strong wind warnings are in place for Northland from 9am today to 7am tomorrow, Auckland from Whangaparāoa northwards and Great Barrier Island from 6pm tonight to 9am tomorrow, and Coromandel Peninsula from 9pm tonight to 10am tomorrow.
"Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles," MetService warned.
Waka Kotahi NZTA has put a wind warning in place for Auckland's Harbour Bridge from this evening.
Lanes were closed, and speed limit reductions were put in place at 3.10pm this afternoon.
Lighter and high-sided vehicles are advised to detour via the Western Ring Route at this time.
Orange heavy rain warnings are in place for Northland from midday today to 6am tomorrow, Coromandel Peninsula from 9pm tonight to 3pm tomorrow, and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne from Tolaga Bay northwards from 3am to 9pm tomorrow.
"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly," MetService said.
"Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous."
Strong wind watches are in place for Auckland south of Whangaparāoa from 6pm tonight to 9am tomorrow and for the Kaimai Range and eastern Waikato from midnight tonight to 11am tomorrow.
Heavy rain watches are in place for Auckland and Great Barrier Island from 6pm tonight to 9am tomorrow and for Bay of Plenty north of Tauranga from midnight tonight to 6pm tomorrow.
Heavy rain watches are also in place for Tairāwhiti/Gisborne south of Tolaga Bay from 10am to 10pm tomorrow and for the western ranges of Hawke's Bay south of State Highway 5 from midday to midnight tomorrow.
"Large waves are also expected to affect eastern coasts of the upper North Island," MetService said.
People are urged to monitor the MetService severe weather page for the latest.
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