Wind watch issued

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A strong wind watch for the Gisborne region has been declared by MetService as the deep low that was Cyclone Gretel passes by the North Island.

A severe weather watch is in place for the entire north-east of the North Island, from Northland, down to Coromandel, including Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane, the Gisborne ranges and the Hawke's Bay ranges.

The watch covers the period from 8am tomorrow morning through to 4am Wednesday morning, as the former cyclone sweeps past to the north-east of the North Island.

MetService says south-easterly winds may approach severe gale force in exposed places at times, especially about higher ground.

The latest charts indicate winds of around 50 to 60kmh, with stronger gusts possible.

Some rain is expected in association with the low, but at this stage the amounts are not thought to be enough to end drought worries.

Surfers can expect larger swells of up to three and a half metres, but rough conditions. However, the low should deliver good waves by Saturday and Sunday.