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Gale force winds are blasting Auckland tonight as a low continues to deepen north of New Zealand.

Exposed parts of Auckland, particularly along the eastern coastline, are most affected.

Winds averaging 70km/h and gusting to 85km/h are affecting Auckland harbour and coastal properties facing east, while gusts between 100 and 120km/h roar across the Hauraki Gulf and it’s islands.

Gusts over 70km/h are also affecting Whangarei.

Earlier WeatherWatch.co.nz predicted winds would strengthen further before midnight and expects some along the eastern coastline may have a rough sleep with gusty winds continuing well into Monday.  Winds are likely to build a little more over the next hour or two however at this stage aren’t predicted to be much worse.  

A band of heavy rain has tonight stalling over Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula, also eastern coastal parts of Northland south of Whangarei.

Despite the strong winds it’s the heavy rain that is likely to cause problems.  Motorists are urged to drive with caution tonight as heavy rain creates potential surface flooding across northern New Zealand. 

Conditions on the Auckland Harbour Bridge are also predicted to be rough with heavy rain and gale force winds over 100km/h buffeting the top.