OK, so here’s what we know for sure; winds have already picked up a lot in various NI places. Sharalee in Stratford and Ross in South Taranaki are both reporting strong winds. We’ve also received a report on our website of 120km/h winds on Manukau Heads.

Over the next few hours, the strong winds will spread across the rest of the North Island. Given the pressure falls I am seeing, I think we are still on track to see some severe gales, especially about the lower NI and upper SI. But, as we’ve already seen this morning, those severe gales may extend all the way up to Auckland.

Rain will be heavy at times in some places. One band should be moving through Pirongia, Te Awamutu and Otorohanga over the next hour. Heavier rains will also continue around Palmerston North, the Hutt Valley and Wellington…as well as the upper SI.

That’s what to look for between now and sunrise. We will continue to keep you up to date.

And keep those reports coming!! They are very, very helpful!

Cheers, HJ