A severe weather watch for gale force winds remains in place for the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.

A strong west to southwest flow covering much of New Zealand should gradually ease during today.

A watch remains in place for gale force winds. The strong winds are expected to ease sometime today.

Gales are likely in many places through to the afternoon and the MetService says the watch is for the possibility these gales may become severe in the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula between Tauranga and Whangamata.

'Westerly gales were expected soon after midnight Wednesday through to mid-morning Thursday, and may become severe for a time in exposed places,” says duty forecaster Erick Brenstrum.

'People in these areas are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case this watch is upgraded to a warning.”

The MetService is expected to review the watch around 10am.