KEY POINTS:
A sub-tropical storm is on the way bringing heavy rain, severe gales and the risk for wind damage and flooding in some areas.
WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan describes the low as a wet and tropical end to summer.
"Summer officially ends on Saturday and that's when we expect this storm to peak over most northern regions. Heavy rain, high humidity and temperatures in the late 20s are all expected. Summer will end on a wet, tropical, note."
Mr Duncan says conditions out at sea are likely to be very rough with low visibility on Saturday around Northland, Auckland and Bay of Plenty with gales likely and large swells developing.
"There are a number of marine events happening this weekend and we're seriously advising boaties to be aware of current gale warnings. Saturday is especially looking nasty with strong easterlies then strong winds from the west possible on Sunday."
Light easterlies have developed this afternoon in Northland, however Mr Duncan says they are still a long way from being strong. He says as of 5pm winds were gusting to 45km/hr at Cape Reinga but the strong winds are expected until Saturday.
Mr Duncan says severe gales are still possible about the eastern Waikato, particularly the tourist town of Te Aroha, while gales are also possible near the western slopes of the main ranges from Taihape to Palmerston North to Kapiti.
He says wind damage in these areas is possible especially to weak barns, trees and powerlines.
Mr Duncan says in Auckland and Northland winds may gust up to 100km/hr for a time in exposed places, such as the Harbour Bridge. Motorists are advised to take extreme care.
- NEWSTALK ZB
