Severe gales gusting up to 110km/h are expected to hammer the region this morning, with a caution issued to motorists and boaties warned not to head out to sea.
MetService meteorologist Elke Louw said a severe weather watch had been in force for Hawke's Bay overnight, due to a chance of severe gales, gusting up to 110km/h in exposed places, easing from 11am today and remaining "blustery" for the rest of the day.
The gales would hit hard about the hills and ranges, where a funnelling effect was possible, and be felt to a lesser degree in Napier and Hastings' city centres.
"Motorists driving high-sided vehicles and cyclists could be blown over," Ms Louw said.
Residents were also advised to keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts.
Coastguard Hawke's Bay president Henry van Tuel said a gale warning was in force for the Portland sea area, which encompasses the waters between Cape Kidnappers and Portland Island.
He advised boaties to keep their feet planted on land this morning, saying they should "hang out for the weekend".
"It's going to be gusting 40 knots - you really want to be thinking twice before heading out in that kind of weather."
The winds wouldn't generate a significant swell as they were blowing offshore.
Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers' Association president Lesley Wilson said gales could cause rubbing in stonefruit and apples, leading to cosmetic damage. It could also hamper kiwifruit vines.
"All we can do is tough it out."