Cyclone Pam: Coastline set to be 'walloped'

Hawke's Bay will be among the hardest hit areas in the country today as cyclone Pam sweeps down the East Coast, bringing rain, gales and heavy swells.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head forecaster Philip Duncan said northern Hawke's Bay was "likely to be walloped by potentially destructive winds [today]".

"Gales are likely to climb to 150km/h for a time during the day and may be sustained severe gale [hurricane force] for a time in the most eastern, exposed, areas north of Mahia and up to East Cape."

The severe weather was expected to spread south this morning reaching a peak in the afternoon. Heavy rain in Hastings would ease this evening. with southerly gales gusting up to 100km/h, MetService said.

Up to 9pm today, areas north of Napier could expect 180mm to 200mm of rain about the ranges and between 100mm and 140mm near the coast.

South of Napier, between 100mm to 140mm of rain was expected about the ranges and coastal hills.

Hawkes Bay's emergency manager Ian Macdonald said the major concern was heavy swells, which were due to hit this afternoon.

"At this stage the rain and the wind is not likely to cause us any major issues, but the swell is probably our biggest concern, in particular the settlements of Te Awanga, Haumoana and Waimarama."

Dionne Thomas, a member of the Clifton Reserve Society which runs Clifton Camp, said staff had spent yesterday afternoon "tying down the hatches".

Canvas awnings were taken down and caravans were moved away from the sea, where swells up to 7 metres were expected.

Rain and high winds are likely to ease tomorrow morning.