Warnings and Watches for heavy rain and strong winds are in force for parts of the North Island, says a MetService spokesperson.

A front is expected to move slowly east over the North Island today and during Sunday. 

Heavy Rain Watch 
Area: Northland
Valid: 10 hours from 3:00pm Sat 23 Sep to 1:00am Sun 24 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Gisborne/Tairawhiti ranges north of the City
Valid: 28 hours from 8:00am Sun 24 Sep to 12:00pm Mon 25 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: The Tararua Range
Valid: 11 hours from 3:00pm Sat 23 Sep to 3:00am Sun 24 Sep
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Taranaki, and low lying areas of Whanganui not included in the Warning
Valid: 10 hours from 3:00pm Sat 23 Sep to 1:00am Sun 24 Sep
Forecast: A period of heavy rain and amounts may reach warning criteria, especially about Taranaki Maunga/Mount Taranaki.

Strong Wind Watch 
Area: Gisborne/Tairawhiti and the Wairoa District
Valid: 9 hours from 7:00pm Sat 23 Sep to 5:00am Sun 24 Sep
Forecast: North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Watches no longer in Force 
Heavy Rain Watch lifted for Wellington, Kapiti Coast, and Wairarapa about and south of Featherston excluding the Tararua Range: The threat of heavy rain has passed and the Watch is now lifted.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange 
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Waitomo and the Central North Island High Country south and west of Lake Taupo, including inland ranges of Whanganui, and Manawatu north of Kimbolton
Valid: 11 hours from 3:00pm Sat 23 Sep to 3:00am Sun 24 Sep
Forecast: Expect 70 to 90 mm to accumulate. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h from early evening.

Area: Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane
Valid: 12 hours from 1:00am Sun 24 Sep to 2:00pm Sun 24 Sep
Forecast: Expect 70 to 90 mm to accumulate. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h.

Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case changes are made to these Warnings and Watches, or new areas are added.