A severe weather warning remains in place today with heavy rain and strong winds expected to pummel the Bay later this afternoon.

A rapidly deepening low was forecast approach New Zealand from the northwest overnight, then to lie the west of the North Island today while continuing to move southeastwards.

During today, the low spreads a moist and strong northeast flow over northern and central New Zealand, delivering heavy rain and strong northeasterly winds to these areas, says the MetService.

'The heaviest rain is expected in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Mount Taranaki, Marlborough, and Nelson.”

Warning for heavy rain are now in force for these areas. The strongest winds are expected across the upper North Island, from Taranaki to Bay of Plenty northwards, and a warning for severe gale northeasterlies is now in force for these areas.

'Note, the combination of strong winds and high tides could cause coastal inundation about eastern areas from Northland to Bay of Plenty including the Firth of Thames,” says the weather organisation.

'The low should cross central New Zealand on Friday bringing a period of gale westerlies to the North Island, and gale southeasterlies across the upper South Island. The low should then move away to the southeast of the country on Saturday.”

With King Tides making for higher than normal high tides and gale northeasterlies today (and gale westerlies On Friday), the North Island may experience some sea inundation on the east coast today and west coast on Friday. ^AC pic.twitter.com/PlsiNURNmw

— MetService (@MetService) January 3, 2018

Heavy Rain Warning

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Northland Valid: 14 hours from 7am to 9pm Thursday Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy for a time from Thursday morning until Thursday evening. Expect 80-120mm of rain to accumulate about the northern and eastern hills during this time, while 50-80mm of rain may accumulate elsewhere. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm/hr possible, especially in the afternoon.

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island Valid: 14 hours from 10am Thursday to 12m Friday Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy for a time from late morning to midnight Thursday. Expect 70-90mm of rain to accumulate during this time, especially about the Hibiscus Coast, and the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm/hr possible, especially in the evening.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula Valid: 12 hours from 1pm Thursday to 1am Friday Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy for a time from early Thursday afternoon to overnight Thursday. Expect 100-150mm of rain to accumulate during this time, especially about the ranges. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr, especially from evening.

Area: Bay Of Plenty including Rotorua Valid: 15 hours from 3pm Thursday to 6am Friday Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy for a time from Thursday afternoon to around dawn Friday. Expect 120-160mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, especially the Kaimai and Mamaku ranges, while 70-100mm of rain may accumulate elsewhere. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr possible.

Area: Mount Taranaki Valid: 9 hours from 5pm Thursday to 2am Friday Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy for a time from late Thursday afternoon to early Friday morning. Expect 100-150mm of rain to accumulate during this time. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr.

Area: Nelson Valid: 12 hours from 9pm Thursday to 9am Friday Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy at times from Thursday evening until mid-morning Friday. Expect 120-160mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges west of Motueka, while 50-80mm of rain may accumulate elsewhere. Peak intensities of 25-40mm/hr, especially about the western ranges.

Area: Marlborough including the Kaikoura Coast Valid: 15 hours from 9pm Thursday to 12pm Friday Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy at times from mid-morning Thursday until midday Friday. Expect 100-160mm of rain to accumulate about the Kaikoura Ranges, while 80-110mm may accumulate elsewhere, especially the Richmond Range. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr possible.

Strong Wind Warning

Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Area: Northland Valid: 6 hours from 3pm to 9pm Thursday Forecast: From late afternoon to evening on Thursday, northeasterlies are expected to become severe gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. The combination of strong winds and high tides may also cause coastal inundation in eastern areas.

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island Valid: 7 hours from 5pm Thursday to 12am Friday Forecast: During Thursday evening, northeasterlies are expected to become severe gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. The combination of strong winds and high tides may also cause coastal inundation in eastern areas including the Firth of Thames.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay Of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo and Taranaki Valid: 9 hours from 9pm Thursday to 6am Friday Forecast: From Thursday evening until around dawn Friday, northeasterlies are expected to become severe gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. The combination of strong winds and high tides may also cause coastal inundation in Coromandel and Bay of Plenty including the Firth of Thames.