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

The MetService is forecasting possible heavy rain for eastern North Island today and tomorrow.

A low brings significant rain and strong easterly winds to northern New Zealand from late Thursday, says a spokesperson for the weather organisation.

'Possible heavy rain is expected to affect Gisborne today and Hawke's Bay ranges tomorrow and heavy rain watches are in force.

'A low lying over the north Tasman Sea on Thursday is expected to move slowly over northern New Zealand during Friday, bringing possible significant heavy rain and strong easterlies.

'A heavy rain warning is in force for Coromandel Peninsula, while watches for heavy rain and strong easterlies are in force for many other areas of the upper North Island.”

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: Coromandel Peninsula

Valid: 24 hours from 1am Fri 11 Nov to 1am Sat 12 Nov
Forecast: Heavy rain is expected from the early hours of Friday morning. Expect 100 to 140 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Northland

Valid: 24 hours from 7pm Thu 10 Nov to 7pm Fri 11 Nov
Forecast: Rain on Thursday is likely to become heavy from evening and continue during Friday. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Auckland north of Takapuna, including Great Barrier Island

Valid: 24 hours from 9pm Thu 10 Nov to 9pm Fri 11 Nov
Forecast: Periods of rain from late Thursday, likely to become heavy overnight and continue during Friday. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Bay of Plenty including Rotorua

Valid: 18 hours from 9am Fri 11 Nov to 3am Sat 12 Nov
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay

Valid: 8 hours from 10am Wed 9 Nov to 6pm Wed 9 Nov
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain possible today (Wednesday).
Note: Another period of significant heavy rain is expected on Friday and either a Watch or Warning will be issued with respect to this event in a later issue.

Area: Ranges of Hawke's Bay north of Hastings.

Valid: 12 hours from 12am Thu 10 Nov to 12pm Thu 10 Nov
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Northland from Bay of Islands southwards.

Valid: 21 hours from 6pm Thu 10 Nov to 3pm Fri 11 Nov
Forecast: Easterly winds may approach severe gale at times.

Area: Auckland north of Harbour Bridge including Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula.

Valid: 24 hours from 6pm Thu 10 Nov to 6pm Fri 11 Nov
Forecast: Easterly winds may approach severe gale at times.

Area: Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane and Taupo east of the Lake.

Valid: 24 hours from 12pm Thu 10 Nov to 12pm Fri 11 Nov
Forecast: East to southeast winds may approach severe gale at times.