Severe weather warning for north

A severe weather warning has been issued for large parts of the country with strong winds and rain set to spoil the weekend for many.

The MetService has also warned people in affected areas to secure their boat moorings.

The severe weather warning is for strong winds and heavy rain in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula.

Strong winds are also expected to buffet the Kaimai Ranges and Waikato, MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said today.

"A subtropical low deepening rapidly over the north Tasman Sea is expected to bring a windy, wet weekend to most northern and eastern parts of the country."

The MetService is forecasting heavy rain and southeast gales around Cape Reinga overnight Friday which would spread south into Waikato by Saturday evening before easing on Sunday.

It was also mindful of the potential for heavy rain and severe gales on Sunday in Gisborne, eastern Bay of Plenty and Taupo and possibly northern Hawke's Bay.

Up to 150mm of rain is forecast in Northland, focussing around the eastern hills from Whangarei north.

120mm is expected north of Warkworth as well as around Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula and Kaimai Range.

Potentially dangerous winds gusting up to 140kmh are possible during Saturday and Sunday, especially about the higher ground of Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula, as well as about the Hauraki Plains, the MetService said.

"The expected track of the low centre keeps it north of us, but a small change in path could result in an extra concentration of wind and rain over a small area," Mr McDavitt said.

"MetService suggests that people planning outdoor activities in northern and eastern areas check the latest weather forecasts and warnings throughout the weekend. Boat owners may consider checking their moorings today before the big blow starts."

The Auckland Region Emergency Management Office has responded to the warning by urging Aucklanders to stay up-to-date with weather reports over the weekend.

Group controller Harry O'Rourke, Group urged people to be prepared for severe weather in the Auckland region.

"It is a good time to check your emergency survival kit and update your household emergency plans. Make sure your battery-powered torches and radios are working and check the expiry dates on all food in your emergency survival kit," he said.

Mr O'Rourke said those in low-lying areas prone to flooding, should have a getaway kit ready in case they needed to move to higher ground.

"If you have stock in low-lying areas move to higher ground," he said.

Motorists are warned that the wild weather could make driving dangerous and lead to surface flooding, slips, flooding in rivers and streams and could potentially damage buildings and trees.

- © Fairfax NZ News