MetService issue severe weather watch

A band of dense rain is moving over the east of the North Island, prompting MetService to issue a severe weather watch, which is just short of a warning.

It says the heaviest falls will be offshore. The rain will get persistent and heavier this afternoon or this evening around Gisborne, especially north of Tolaga Bay, before easing on Sunday. The rain may become heavier again in the same region for a time on Monday as the low slows down.

- Newstalk ZB