A sub-tropical low is moving into the north eastern North Island and should make landfall somewhere in the eastern Bay of Plenty around noon.

The low has already peaked in strength and will gradually weaken over the next couple of days as it tracks southwards down New Zealand and into high pressure.

Winds will remain strong to gale in the main squash zone of air pressure between this low and the high - mainly as windy sou'easters through central New Zealand / Cook Strait area.

Main Highlights:

• An intense low is currently located over Bay of Plenty and is about to move southward across the eastern side of the North Island.
• Strong persistent winds and isolated heavy rain with higher wind gusts are expected on Tuesday mainly in the eastern part of the island.
• There are multiple fractured rain bands located to the south and west of the low pressure center. Short duration rainfall about 10-20 mm/h may occur along the rain band. One of these rain bands will affect the southeastern part of the North Island until this evening. The heavy rainfall will be localised over the eastern side of the ranges. Isolated flooding is possible.
• Moderate amounts of rain are expected on western side of the North Island, except for Taranaki, where a pulse of heavy rain may occur during Tuesday night.
• Heavy rain accumulation is also expected in Marlborough and Kaikoura coast from Tuesday afternoon
• to Wednesday morning. Higher up snow accumulation of about 10cm is also likely over the Kaikoura Ranges.
• The rain and winds will ease after Wednesday morning as the low pressure moves southeastward away from the eastern coastline of New Zealand with a calmer, drier, Thursday and Friday for most.

Callers to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline have so far reported trees and powerlines across roads, and damage to some properties.

Whakatane District Council has also issued a warning to motorists.

"We have safety concerns with tree debris blowing around on Domain Road, and there is a tree down in The Strand, which has apparently damaged a car.

"People should stay away from these areas and stay inside until the wind drops."

Downed trees have also been reported in the following areas:
Hillcrest Road is now cleared
Braemar Road – contractor there soon
Manawahe Road, just past Caverhill Road – entire road blocked – contractor on way
Herepuru/Manawahe – contractor there

Are you affected? Send your weather photos to newsroom@thesun.co.nz

Whakatane airport just recorded joint strongest wind gust since the current station was installed in 1990.105km/h gust reported, equalling 2006, also 12th June. The low is just moving on-shore now, expect winds to switch direction then gradually ease later this afternoon. ^TA

— MetService (@MetService) June 12, 2018

A tree down in Kawerau. Photo: Mary R.