MetService has issued heavy rain warnings, with a "high chance" of these being upgraded to the highest red level in Northland, as a deep sub-tropical low approaches the country.
In the coming days, the forecaster said heavy rain and strong northeast winds would spread to many regions from late this evening into Thursday and Friday.
"This will be an impactful multi-hazard event. The heaviest rain and largest amounts are likely in the upper North Island, especially from Northland to western Bay of Plenty where downpours, flooding, and slips are possible on Thursday and Friday."
A period of large northeast waves was also expected with strong to gale-force winds.
Heavy rain and strong winds will also affect parts of the South Island, especially for Tasman and the West Coast.
MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said there was a "high chance" of orange heavy rain warnings being upgraded to red in the upper North Island.
People in Northland could expect 130mm to 200mm of rain, but up to 280mm was possible about northern and eastern areas.
"Peaks rates of 20 to 40 mm/h possible about the north and east from Thursday afternoon through to Friday morning.
"Dangerous river conditions, flooding, and slips likely. Dangerous driving conditions and road closures are expected," MetService said.
People were urged not to enter floodwaters and avoid unnecessary travel.
Full list of watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Northland – 41 hours from 4pm today to 9am Friday.
Great Barrier Island – 37 hours from 4am Thursday to 5pm Friday.
Coromandel Peninsula – 41 hours from 6am Thursday to 11pm Friday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Auckland – 35 hours from 4am Thursday to 3pm Friday.
Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne – 42 hours from 9am Thursday to 3am Saturday.
Tasman west of Motueka – 28 hours from 9am Thursday to 1pm Friday.
Strong Wind Watch
Northland – 33 hours from 6pm today to 3am Friday.
Auckland including Great Barrier Island – 27 hours from 6am Thursday to 9am Friday.
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