Torrential rain is this afternoon pushing across the North Island affecting Auckland and a number of surrounding regions.

Rain has been deafening at times and is making driving hazardous across Auckland with minor surface flooding across most motorways.  Gusty winds aren’t helping either with some vehicles clearly being pushed around during unexpected gusts of 70km/h – higher in more exposed places, such as the Harbour Bridge.

Rain is setting in to a number of North and South Island regions, mostly northern and western facing regions, with rain expected to become heavier this afternoon and evening.

Heavy rain should ease in Auckland after midnight tonight and across Bay of Plenty during Thursday – but may linger around East Cape.  WeatherWatch.co.nz says there is a high risk of flooding and slips across Bay of Plenty today with a moderate risk for Northland, Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula.

Motorists are advised to drive with their headlights on and be aware of surface flooding and strong winds in exposed places.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz

What are the weather conditions like at your place today?   Share your weather observations and any flooding or wind damage reports