Final Update 4:40pm — The low that used to be Cyclone Cook is now centred east of Dunedin and is tracking southwards along the coastline but well out to sea.  The peak winds are easing around the centre and the majority of these strongest winds are 150 to 200kms out to sea and will likely remain there.

However the heavy rain associated with Cook is pressing into some parts of the eastern side of the South Island. The rain clouds have fractured a lot overnight as the North Island land mass and the ranges of the South Island impact the low itself.

Rain in Dunedin is set in with the chance of some flooding – but at this stage we’re optimistic it won’t be at the extreme end, but be vigilant around streams and watch for surface flooding on roads. Some heavier downpours are possible and this could put pressure on rivers and streams already running high. Conditions will ease overnight.

Meanwhile in the North Island the westerly flow behind Cook is pushing in with plenty of small showers heading in to the west and north, plus clear spells. It’s fairly mild. Some showers are heavy, especially around Waikato and Auckland region.

Over the weekend the main low that was Cook will depart into the Southern Ocean while a small, weak, low (triggered by the remnants of Cook and the Tasman low) will move back up the West Coast and yet again towards the western North Island bringing cloud and further downpours on Sunday and early Monday for a time.

– Image 4:30pm rain radar image, courtesy of the NZ taxpayer and Government

– WeatherWatch.co.nz