A series of strong wind and heavy rain warnings are in place for lower and central parts of the North Island after a deluge caused flooding in the south this week.
The southerly storm dropped two months' worth of rain on Kaikōura in just 48 hours, cutting off communities as floods damaged bridges and closed roads.
MetService said a southerly flow covers the country, with gales in some central areas and periods of heavy rain forecast in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti.
An orange heavy rain warning was issued for the ranges of Hawke's Bay north of Napier. The warning was set to last for 24 hours from 9am Thursday to 9am Friday. Locals could expect 100 to 130 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen.
MetService said heavy rain in northern Hawke's Bay could continue into Friday morning.
A heavy rain watch was issued for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti south of Gisborne City.
Meanwhile, gusts of up to 120km/h were forecast in some areas, with orange strong wind warnings issued for Taranaki and Marlborough Sounds.
According to Powerco, several areas in the North Island affected by weather experienced power cuts, with outages reported at 80 properties in Tinui, 115 properties in Fordell, and over 125 across parts of Taranaki.
Several sailings of Bluebridge ferries were cancelled for passengers due to high swells forecast from tonight.
Strong wind watches were issued for Taupō south of the Lake, southern Taumarunui, Coastal areas of Hawke's Bay, Wellington, and the Kapiti Coast.
Highways remain closed
NZTA said the weather has eased in many places but some "significant" state highways remain closed this morning.
State Highway 1 from Waipara to Kaikōura in Canterbury is closed due to flooding and road damage. Inland Route 70/Inland Kaikōura Road also remains closed.
The restoration of this section of road is expected to take longer due to flood damage, with the closure likely to extend into the long weekend.
A detour is available via State Highways 7, 65, 6 and 63 for those travelling between Christchurch and the top of the South Island.
Rising water levels overnight closed the Waihenga Bridge on State Highway 53 near Martinborough.
"It will remain closed to all traffic until flood levels recede and the bridge is safe to reopen," NZTA said.
State Highway 87 from Kyeburn to Middlemarch is closed because of snow.
"Roading crews will be working to reopen the snow-affected highways today," NZTA said.
Full list of weather warnings and watches:
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Ranges of Hawke's Bay north of Napier – 24 hours from 9am Thursday to 9am Friday.
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Taranaki – 6 hours from 9am to 3pm Thursday.
Marlborough Sounds – 6 hours from 9am to 3pm Thursday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Gisborne/Tairāwhiti south of Gisborne City – 24 hours from 9am Thursday to 9am Friday.
Strong Wind Watch
Taupō south of the lake, and southern Taumarunui – 9 hours from 9am to 6pm Thursday.
Coastal areas of Hawke's Bay – 6 hours from 9am to 3pm Thursday.
Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast – 6 hours from 9am to 3pm Thursday.
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