Prepare homes for storm wind gusts up to 120km/h

Rain and easterly gales are expected to spread on to northern New Zealand from later today. Photo / GlennTaylor

Northlanders have a small window of opportunity to "tie up the loose ends" this morning before remnants of Cyclone Lusi wreak havoc on the region.

MetService has predicted wind gusts of between 110 and 120km/h accompanied by heavy rain to start lashing the Far North this afternoon before moving to other parts of Northland overnight, with the worst to come tomorrow morning.

Forecaster John Law said the centre of the cyclone would likely move around the north cape before moving south tomorrow. "It's going to be pretty horrid (tonight) as winds pick up and gusts of 110 to 120 kilometres an hour."

Despite the unfavourable weather, he said the air would be fairly humid, with daytime temperatures hovering in the early 20s dropping down to 17C at night.

The storm is expected to track just west of the North Island on Saturday, before crossing the South Island late Sunday.

Rain and easterly gales are expected to spread on to northern New Zealand from later today, and southwards across the remainder of the North Island tomorrow, then to the upper and eastern South Island later tomorrow and Sunday.

Significant heavy rain is forecast for Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula late today or tomorrow, and for Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne tomorrow.

Easterly gales are also expected in these areas, and are also forecast to spread to Waikato, especially near the Kaimai Range, and the Central Plateau.

MetService says although severe weather is likely, at this stage there is still uncertainty regarding the track of the low and exact areas that will be affected.

People are being strongly advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, warnings and watches.

The NZ Transport Agency has advised motorists that heavy rain and strong winds would make driving conditions challenging for all road users.

National Journey Manager, Kathryn Musgrave said people needed to plan carefully for safe travel.

For updates on state highways, please ring Freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or www.highwayinfo.govt.nz or for information on Northland roads, call freephone 0800 111655.

Whangarei District Council is on high alert for damage caused by the impact of Cyclone Lusi.

Council group manager infrastructure and services Simon Weston said the storm had the potential to cause major, and expensive, damage to the region.

He suggested people make sure they have a civil defence emergency kit ready, with food, torches, matches etc, and plenty of water, and be aware that the storm could bring down powerlines.