A woman has difficulty holding an umbrella from strong winds in rainy weather. Photo: 123RF
Forecasters are warning of heavy rain and strong winds across the country this evening and through the weekend.
The heavy rain warning for Gisborne has been lifted, but the upper South Island is still in for a drenching, as is the central North Island.
MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for Tasman west of Motueka from Friday afternoon until 3pm Saturday.
"Expect a further 110 to 140mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges (on top of what has already fallen) with lesser amounts elsewhere. Thunderstorms possible. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h."
Rainfall over Tongariro National Park "may approach warning criteria" on Saturday afternoon, MetService said.
Taranaki had a similar warning, kicking in at 9pm Friday and lasting 24 hours.
A heavy rain warning was in place for Nelson, which "may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly".
"Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous."
Heavy rain watches have been lifted for Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.
"A deep low lies west of the North Island, and is expected to move east across the lower North Island on Saturday, with west to northwest gales on its northern flank," said MetService.
"Warnings and watches for Heavy Rain and severe gales are in force. People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, as further watches or warnings may be added.
Winds
Strong northwest winds were expected in Northland overnight from 9pm, approaching gale-force "at times".
Auckland and Great Barrier Island received a similar warning, the winds coming from the west.
Coromandel should expected "severe gale" westerlies from late Saturday morning, so could Waikato and Waitomo from 12pm.
Taumarunui, Taupo, Taihape, Whanganui, Manawatu and Hawke's Bay's strong winds were forecast to hit from 6pm Saturday, lasting through the night.
Taranaki, in addition to the rain mentioned above, should expect severe gale winds from the north and northeast from 8pm Friday, lasting through Saturday.
Lastly, Gisborne residents were expected to experience strong winds early Friday evening.