Risk of flooding, severe gales as heavy rain expected across parts of the North Island

More heavy rain is expected across parts of the North Island today, bringing with it the risk of flooding and severe gales.

A complex low pressure system east of the North Island has been forecast to move slowly throughout the rest of the day, while another may cross the northeast of the North Island tomorrow, MetService said.

Heavy rain has been forecast for the eastern parts of the North Island, while strong winds are expected to rock southern parts of the North Island, the national meteorological service said.

A heavy rain watch has been issued for Gisborne, south of Tokomaru Bay.

A heavy rain warning remains in place for the Hawke's Bay this afternoon into tomorrow afternoon, bringing a further 150 to 180mm of rain on top of what has already been accumulated around the ranges north of Napier, while 70 to 100mm is expected to fall elsewhere.

A strong wind watch is in place for Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua and Taupo; Gisborne south of Tokomaru Bay; the Hawke’s Bay; Taranaki; and Wellington south of Ngauranga Gorge.

For a full forecast for your area, see our weather section here.