Heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and hail could lash the west of the North Island this evening - bringing down trees and power lines.
Heavy rain and severe winds are expected this evening. Photo: 123RF
MetService said a severe thunderstorm watch was in place for Waikato through Taranaki and the Kapiti Coast to Wellington between and 10pm this evening.
It said there was a chance of short periods of winds gusts of more than 110km/h, which could damage buildings, topple trees and make driving hazardous.
Meanwhile, a severe weather warning is in place for much of the West Coast this weekend.
MetService is forecasting up to 180mm of rain to fall in Fiordland and parts of Westland over the next three days.
Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the heavy rain could bring flooding and slips to the region.
He said people in eastern parts of the South Island can expect rain later in the weekend as the wet weather moves in from the West.