Gale force winds have arrived in New Zealand as a particularly aggressive and potentially destructive storm quickly develops north west of the country.

As of 10pm Friday winds averaging 65km/h and gusting over 105km/h were blasting Cape Reinga in the Far North.  Rain was falling across northern parts of Northland.

MetService has also added more weather warnings, now including Gisborne. 

For all current weather warnings click here.

The storm will most likely bring severe gales and torrential rain to northern New Zealand this weekend and the potential for damage will be high for some regions too.

However further south in Auckland conditions remained calm and cool with cloud thickening overhead at 10pm.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the storm is looking increasingly concerning.  “Each computer model update is showing the storm deeper and moving closer to New Zealand than the model before it”.

“We are predicting wind gusts may reach 150km/h or even 160km/h in exposed places along the western Kaimai Ranges while torrential rain may cause flooding in Northland, Coromandel and East Cape”.

Mr Duncan says wind damage in winter isn’t usually as severe as in summer when trees are heavier with leaves however soggy grounds can lead to trees being uprooted and slips.  “There’s definitely a high chance for flooding, slips and tree damage in eastern parts of Northland, Coromandel and East Cape while wind damage only is expected in eastern Waikato and the eastern Haurakai Plains”.

WeatherWatch.co.nz advises those in areas where weather warnings have been issued to make sure roofing iron is secured and things that could break in the wind are tied down or put away.   The weather centre also reminds farmers and trampers to watch for rapidly rising rivers and streams, especially in the ranges where rainfall totals may top 200mm.

“We’re not wanting to alarm people, this is a moderate storm, but people should be prepared for powercuts and the potential for some damage”.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says there is a possibility the storm may head further east which would significantly reduce any severe weather over northern New Zealand however all the latest weather maps are indicating the low will have a near direct impact this weekend.  

Check back across the weekend for extra updates.

For all current weather warnings click here.