Weather Update: Band of rain and wind hit North

A band of stormy weather in Northland has brought significant rainfall and winds, and it's going to get worse before it gets better.

MetService meteorologist Rob kerr said the band of rain and the combination of strong easterly winds was making an impact in Northland already.

"It's not going to drop off any time soon," he said.

Wind gusts of 155km/h had been recorded at Cape Reinga, gusts of 155 km/h at Kerikeri and over 100 km/h at Tutukaka, he said.

"As it comes down towards north Auckland we won't be out of warning conditions until late tomorrow."

Mr Kerr said the rain had begun to increase.

"There's been 8mm of rain recorded at Kaeo in the last hour... the heaviest is yet to come."

Mr Kerr said anything over 5mm of rain in an hour is considered significant rainfall.

The Fire Service is working with other emergency agencies to prepare for the impact of the severe storm.

A taskforce of 16 personnel, two fire appliances, a lighting rig and four-wheel drive vehicle was on its way to Northland to support the local brigades and stations, the Fire Service said.

Region manager Assistant National Commander Brian Butt said parts of Northland were often cut off by floods at Kawakawa and in the Waipu-Ruakaka area. "We are travelling up now while it is safe and in daylight, to get ahead of the weather."

The appliances would be put where they were most needed and would be crewed around the clock by volunteer and professional personnel from Auckland and Northland.

Mr Butt said the Fire Service was working closely with Civil Defence and other emergency services to assemble resources and work on contingency plans for both Auckland and Northland.