Drivers are being urged by the NZ Transport Agency to take extra care on the roads with heavy rain set to affect many parts of the North Island, beginning this evening.

The wild weather has also forced contractors to postpone scheduled night works on the Poike Road roundabout on State Highway 29 until further notice.

Road works on SH29 have been postponed due to bad weather.

As much as 200mm of rain is expected to hit areas of the Western Bay of Plenty, Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula from 6pm today until Wednesday, with the MetService also predicting severe winds during that period.

The severe weather is likely to make driving conditions difficult and motorists are urged to adjust to the conditions and keep up to date with road closures and other travel advice at www.highwayinfo.govt.nz

Motorcyclists and those driving high-sided vehicles should exercise extreme caution, and all drivers are advised to reduce their speeds and increase following distances during periods of heavy rain.

Major pavement repair work planned to take place at the Poike Road roundabout and its approaches was due to start on Sunday night through to Monday, June 16, but will be postponed until the weather clears.