Gale force winds and heavy rain to hit North Island

Northland is in for gale force winds and heavy rain tomorrow night with much of the rest of the North Island also likely to be hit.

MetService has issued a severe weather warning for Northland and is forecasting up to 100mms of rain over a 12 hour period on Friday.

Forecaster Ian Miller said the eastern hills of Whangarei could get up to 150mms causing streams and rivers to rise.

"There could also be some heavy thundery bursts from late Saturday morning until mid-afternoon and people are advised to keep up to date with weather forecasts," Mr Miller said.

MetService added: "Forecasters advise that a broad band of rain with heavy falls and easterly gales is expected to move southwards over northern and central New Zealand ahead of the low, affecting Northland from Friday evening."

- NZHERALD STAFF