Northland is likely to escape the wrath of Tropical Cyclone Gita but the region won't be spared of damaging winds and humidity.
The cyclone, which was category 3 yesterday and expected to pass south of New Caledonia last night, is expected to curve southwards towards New Zealand this weekend— less than a week after causing widespread damage in Tonga.
MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn said the cyclone was expected to hit New Zealand on either Tuesday or Wednesday next week but its exact path was uncertain.
"There will be potential for heavy rain and severe gales in the North Island and the upper
South Island and Northland will likely get some of that, but it doesn't look like Northland will be the worst hit.
"But gale force winds are likely in Northland on Tuesday as northerlies turn to southwesterly. People need to follow weather updates and to prepare themselves accordingly," Ms Flynn said.