Heavy rain and "damaging" gale-force winds are expected across New Zealand this week.
The MetService has issued a severe weather watch across the country, saying the ranges of the upper South Island and central North Island will get the most severe gales on Friday and Saturday.
A large low will move over the Tasman Sea today and is likely to spread a band of rain and strengthening easterlies over the North Island and upper South Island in the next few days.
Heavy rain is expected for the east coast of the North Island, and south-easterly gales for the West Coast of the South Island.
In Hawkes Bay and Gisborne more than 100mm of rain may fall in 24 hours, from Friday morning through to Saturday evening.
In Nelson, Buller and Westland southeasterly gales could become severe on Friday, lasting until Saturday morning.
In north-eastern parts of Northland heavy rain is expected on Thursday afternoon when up to 30mm is expected.
MetService advises people to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case these weather watches are upgraded.
