Storm approaching New Zealand

Strong winds, heavy rain and high seas are likely to strike the eastern North Island this weekend.

A rapidly deepening low from the sub-tropics was expected to reach the East Cape on Sunday, bringing enough rain to cause flooding and winds strong enough to blow down trees and cut power lines, WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan said.

Northland and Auckland could also expect rain but the forecast could change as the storm's exact path was unclear, he said.

MetService forecaster Bob McDavitt advised people to check the latest weather forecasts before planning outdoor activities.

The highest rainfalls were expected about the Gisborne hills, the ranges feeding the Waipaoa River and the ranges of northern Hawke's Bay, he said.

"This may well be beneficial for farmers and firefighters, but problematic for apple pickers," he said.

Winds generated by the low were likely to affect the whole North Island this weekend and early next week, reaching gale force near Gisborne, the Bay of Plenty, Taupo, South Taranaki and the Cook Strait.

- NZPA