By Andrew Ashton.
With hundreds here still without power following an overnight storm, residents and motorists are being warned to expect heavy rain and more high winds.
With a deep low forecast to move southeast wards across central New Zealand delivering heavy rain and strong winds to northern and central New Zealand, the Met Service has issued a Heavy Rain Warning for the area around the Tararua ranges, with up to 50mm expected to accumulate at six-hours at times, until 9pm.
A Severe Weather Watch is also in place for the remainder of Hawke's Bay.
The MetService says from around midnight Thursday to late morning today. East to northeast winds could become severe in exposed places.