A severe weather warning and watch is now in force for both the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.

As Cyclone Fili approaches New Zealand, the MetServices predicts there is a chance for heavy rain and severe gales for many North Island areas.

'Cyclone Fili is approaching New Zealand from the northwest, and it is expected to bring widespread impacts to the North Island,” says a statement from the weather organisation.

'Heavy rain and severe gales will accompany the system as it tracks southeastwards, and very large waves are expected to affect northeast and eastern coasts.

'This is expected to be a significant weather event, and MetService Severe Weather Forecasters will be constantly monitoring developments.

'There remains some uncertainty regarding the exact track and timing of Cyclone Fili, and people are strongly urged to stay up to date with the latest Warnings, forecasts,and official advice.

'Also, a front will bring rain to the west coast of the South Island today and tomorrow. A Warning is now in force for Fiordland, and a watch for Westland.”

Image: MetService.

HEAVY RAIN WARNING - ORANGE

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: 18 hours from 8am Tuesday to 2am Wednesday

Forecast: Expect 100 to 150mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h,but possibly 25 to 35mm/h in localised downpours Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Change note: Upgraded to Orange Warning

Area: Coromandel Peninsula

Valid: 12 hours from 6pm Tuesday to 6am Wednesday

Forecast: Expect 100 to 150mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h,but possibly 35mm/h in localised downpours.

Area: Bay of Plenty and Rotorua

Valid: 15 hours from 9pm Tuesday to 12pm Wednesday

Forecast: Expect 130 to 180mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected, but possibly 25 to 35mm/h in localised downpours.

Area: Gisborne

Valid: 27 hours from 6pm Tuesday to 9pm Wednesday

Forecast: Expect 170 to 300mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h, but possibly 35mm/h in localised downpours.

Area: Hawke's Bay

Valid: 24 hours from 9pm Tuesday to 9pm Wednesday

Forecast: Expect 150 to 200mm of rain to accumulate, but possibly up to 300mm about the Wairoa District. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h, but possibly 35mm/h in localised downpours.

Please note that further rain is possible after this period, and this warning could be extended.

Area: Fiordland

Valid: 15 hours from 3pm Monday to 6am Tuesday

Forecast: Expect 100 to 130mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h expected overnight tonight.

Change note: Upgraded to Orange Warning

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STRONG WIND WARNING - ORANGE

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

Area: Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula

Valid: 21 hours from 6pm Tuesday to 3pm Wednesday

Forecast: Southeast winds are expected to turn southwest overnight Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Expect southeast gales gusting 110 to

120 km/h, and southwest gales gusting 120 to 130 km/h - possibly even

140 km/h around Great Barrier Island.

Change note: Upgraded to Orange Warning

Area: Gisborne

Valid: 12 hours from 9pm Tuesday to 9am Wednesday

Forecast: Easterly quarter gales are forecast to be severe at times, with gusts reaching 120km/h.

HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island

Valid: 12 hours from 9pm Tuesday to 9am Wednesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Westland south of Ross

Valid: 15 hours from 9pm Monday to 12pm Tuesday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly about the ranges.

STRONG WIND WATCH

Area: Northland

Valid: 24 hours from 3pm Tuesday to 3pm Wednesday

Forecast: Southeast winds are expected to turn southwest on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, and winds from both directions may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.

Area: Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Horowhenua Kapiti Coast, Wellington, Wairarapa, Tararua District, Taihape, Hawke's Bay, Taupo.

Valid: 18 hours from 3am to 9pm Wednesday

Forecast: Southwest winds may approach severe gale at times.

Area: Bay of Plenty and Rotorua

Valid: 24 hours from 9pm Tuesday to 9pm Wednesday

Forecast: Southeast gales are expected to turn southwest Wednesday morning. Winds from both directions may approach severe gale in exposed places.