Rough weather is again going to affect the North Island today with rain warnings still in effect for east coasters.

The low responsible for the wet weather is very slowly drifting down the east coast and today that heavy rain will shift into southern Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa.

Rain is also now in the forecast for Wellington with gale force winds in Cook Strait yesterday moving further into land as the low gets closer and the isobars squash up against the high over the South Island.

WeatherWatch.co.nz estimates the risk of slips and flooding from Wellington to Gisborne and inland to the main ranges remains HIGH for the rest of Wednesday.

As the low pushes southward severe gales are likely to affect a number of regions between Hawkes Bay and the Marlborough Sounds.  Those in the area should be aware of possible wind warnings.

Heavy rain may also brush Kaikoura and the north east coast of the South Island as the low churns by.