Cyclone Evan is due to pass through the top of the North Island on Christmas Eve, making for a very soggy silly season.
Earlier today, the first outer bands of Cyclone Evan closed in on the Bay of Plenty and eastern Coromandel Peninsula. By tomorrow night, rain is expected in Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne.
On Christmas Eve, the upper tip of Northland can expected heavy rain and fierce winds in the morning, although they're not expected to reach severe gale force. Aucklanders should also brace for gusty winds.
Showers are likely from Auckland to Hamilton and over to Bay of Plenty, but nothing too heavy. The lower North Island can also expect showers towards the evening.
On Christmas Day, Cyclone Evan will continue to head out over the Tasman, meaning a fairly breezy and humid day for festivities with the chance of showers for most of the North Island.
