Wind, rain warnings as system passes

New Zealand is set to be hit by the tail end of the Sydney storm.

Batten down the hatches for a windy and wet day across many parts of New Zealand.

The tail of the deadly storm that crossed New South Wales earlier last week is moving towards New Zealand and is expected to cross over central parts of the country today and tomorrow.

WeatherWatch said the low pressure system would bring isolated thunderstorms along the Tasman Sea, strong to gale-force northwesterly winds to central and eastern areas and periods of heavy rain and showers to northern and western areas.

WeatherWatch head weather analyst Philip Duncan said the strongest winds would be in central and eastern areas.

"This isn't a repeat of the New South Wales storm, but it [does] contain some of the same volatility, so all New Zealanders should be up to date with current warnings.

"Thunderstorms are possible, especially along the western coastline near the Tasman Sea on Monday, with cooler weather moving across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday on the back end of the system."

MetService has issued a warning for heavy rain to fall in Westland and the ranges of Nelson and Taranaki, which could cause streams to rise rapidly and surface flooding.

The heavy rain was forecast to reach the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty this afternoon. Up to 100mm could fall in the 12 hours from midday today.

Severe winds are forecast for Taranaki, Marlborough and Wellington today with gusts of 120-130km/h possible.

MetService said winds of this strength had the potential for damage. NZME.