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Rain and increasing winds have arrived in Auckland after buffeting the Far North.
Aucklanders are being warned to expect flooding and rising river levels, with heavy rain forecast to hit the region tonight through until around midday tomorrow.
National Radio reported power cuts in Auckland and Northland as a result of the weather.
An air flight from Auckland to Kerikeri was also cancelled due to the weather.
Winds in the Far North today hurricane force, gusting close to 155 km/h an hour at Cape Reinga.
Winds of 70 km/h were recorded at Auckland Airport.
Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the winds are strong enough to lift roofs and uproot trees.
Northland Civil defence officer Claire Nyberg agrees winds of that strength will cause some damage. She say the advice is to batten down the hatches, watch out on the roads for fallen trees and slips, and get ready for a wild and wet afternoon and evening.
Ms Nyberg says heavy rain is also forecast, so Northlanders should keep an eye on stream levels and watch for surface flooding.
Mr Duncan believes the winds will become stronger around Auckland, with gusts in some exposed parts reaching 120 kilometres an hour, but he says they are likely to ease this evening.
Areas expected to experience the heaviest rains are Great Barrier Island and areas north of Whangaparaoa.
A severe weather warning for heavy rain has been issued by the Metservice from 7pm today. Winds are also expected to be strong, especially in coastal regions.
The Auckland region emergency management office is monitoring the situation, and has advised people in affected areas to take precautions.
People should check drains and spouting and clear any blockages, ensure a torch, radio and spare batteries are handy, stay up to date with weather forecasts, bring pets indoors, report flooding to the local council and limit non essential travel.
Drivers are also urged to check Transit's website before travelling, use headlights, drive to the conditions and keep a safe distance from the car in front.
MetService issued a severe weather warning this morning to parts of the Coromandel Peninsula and parts of Northland.
The hills east of Whangarei and the ranges of the Coromandel Peninsula could get as much as 150mms of rain.
Northland could also set gale force winds of up to 120km an hour.
MetService forecaster Gerard Barrow said winds of that strength can cause damage to powerlines, trees and roofs.
Nelson and Westland could get as much as 80mms falling in a 15 hour period.
Mr Barrow said a trough of low pressure over the Tasman Sea will link up with another low from the subtropics.
Meanwhile, Northland Regional Council staff are keeping an eye on the weather.
Civil Defence officer Claire Nyberg said the weather could cause streams and rivers to rise quickly.
She also warned that the weather could create hazardous conditions for motorcyclists.
Harbourmaster Ian Niblock is warning boaties to make sure their vessels are secure.
- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF
