"Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures," Wayne Sharplin Waka Kotahi Northland journey manager said.
"There's already some low-level surface flooding around SH10 near Kaeo and with more rain forecast this evening, we urge all road users to take particular care and be prepared for unexpected disruptions on the road network."
Moderate to heavy rain continues to fall over northern and eastern parts of Northland. A weather station near Kaeo has recorded more than 130mm of rain in the past 24 hours https://t.co/NSlU8DWP3I ^PL pic.twitter.com/7OSSw9kSuV
As well as the strong wind warning in force for Northland, those in the Northern parts of Auckland are also being warned of strong gusts. Anyone driving high-sided vehicles or motorcycles are urged to be particularly cautious.
Those north of Whangaparāoa could expect south-to-south-east winds that could approach severe gale criteria in exposed places, MetService said.
Temperatures were single digits for many parts of the country this morning with the Taumarunui resident waking up to a chilly -4.5C while the Mount Cook Aerodrome recorded -7.2C.
Christchurch recorded -4C just after 7am, Queenstown -3C and Blenheim -1.2C.
Metservice short forecast
For Waikato, Bay of Plenty, also Taupō and Taihape, scattered rain was on the cards until this evening, gradually clearing tomorrow morning.
From Gisborne to Wairarapa and Wellington, a few showers were expected to spread to the Wairarapa this evening and into the capital tomorrow. Rain, with heavy falls developing in Gisborne, was forecast this evening.
For Clutha, Southland and Fiordland, wet weather is also expected with showers, possibly turning heavy with hail expected and becoming isolated tomorrow.
Other South Island areas are expected to remain fine apart from some isolated showers.
The Chatham Island would see could periods today and longer, fine intervals tomorrow.
Two weather systems were impacted the country's north and south points today.
Metservice meteorologist Angus Hines said a low-pressure system and associated frontal rain band affecting northern New Zealand would bring rain overnight
However the wet effects would diminish into tomorrow, he said, bar Gisborne, which would be quite wet tomorrow as the front moves off.
The view from space shows a low pressure system and its associated frontal rainband affecting northern NZ, while a trough containing a narrow band of heavy rain is moving onto southern NZ. Mostly fine in between these weather systems https://t.co/rcECVuGXOw ^PL pic.twitter.com/W20sSl3w79