Heavy rain and gale-force winds to batter northern and central NZ

Bursts of heavy rain and gale-force winds are set to begin across northern and central New Zealand on Monday as an active low-pressure system moves south over the North Island.

MetService said heavy rain warnings were in place for the Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay, where up to 180mm of rain could fall in some areas. Heavy rain watches were in place for Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, the Tararua District and Wairarapa.

"Streams and rivers may rise rapidly, and slips and surface flooding are possible," the forecaster said.

Strong wind warnings were also issued for Manawatū, Horowhenua and the Kāpiti Coast, with gusts up to 120km/h expected. Strong wind watches were also in place for Auckland, Waikato, Nelson, and the districts of Buller, Grey and Westland north of Harihari.

Heavy Rain Warning – Orange

Coromandel Peninsula – 18 hours from 3am to 9pm Monday

Gisborne/Tairāwhiti – 21 hours from 6am Monday to 3am Tuesday

Hawke’s Bay – 23 hours from 10am Monday to 9am Tuesday

Strong Wind Warning – Orange

Manawatū, Horowhenua and Kāpiti Coast – 16 hours from 5pm Monday to 9am Tuesday

Heavy Rain Watch

Bay of Plenty (including Rotorua) – 16 hours from 8am to midnight Monday

Tararua District and Wairarapa – 24 hours from 6pm Monday to 6pm Tuesday

Strong Wind Watch

Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula – 10 hours from 6am to 4pm Monday

Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Tongariro National Park, west Taupō and Taihape – 10 hours from noon to 10pm Monday

Nelson, Buller, Grey and Westland north of Harihari – 12 hours from midnight Monday to noon Tuesday