Motorists travelling in the northern South Island have been warned by police to take extreme care.
A large number of reports had been received of roads flooded and trees and rocks were on roads throughout the area, Inspector Warren Kemp said.
"Extreme care required as it is still raining heavily and high tides are still an hour or so away," Mr Kemp said this evening.
Heavy rain and strong northerly winds could hit Northland, Taranaki, Nelson, Buller and Canterbury during the next 24 hours, the MetService said today.
Winds up to 110kmh were possible, causing damage to trees, power lines and creating difficult driving conditions.
Heavy rain was also expected and possibly thunderstorms in Northland.
In Tasman's Golden Bay area heavy rain and strong wind forced schools to close early.
