Rain warnings for the North Island

The central North Island is set for another pounding today from strong winds and rain.

A heavy rain warning has been issued from Taranaki to Wellington and western regions are warned to expect flooding and slips.

A watch has also been issued for severe northwest gales across much of the lower half of the island.

A wet day for central North Island, especially the west. Rain warnings for Taranaki, Horowhenua and Kapiti. See https://t.co/qHyE5zhh6X^TA pic.twitter.com/10vSLGJlf3

— MetService (@MetService) February 1, 2017

The most rain is expected to fall on Mt Taranaki and the Tararua Range, where up to 180mm will fall over the next 18 hours.

Forecasters are warning there may be significant falls of up to 80mm in lower-lying parts of the Horowhenua Kapiti Coast and North Taranaki.

People in these areas have been advised to watch for rapidly rising rivers and streams, and possible surface flooding and slips.

Although the warnings do not cross into eastern regions, today's one-day cricket international in Napier may still be a casualty of the wet weather.

Napier is expected to swelter on a sticky 27C but rain is predicted across the city throughout the day. It should clear this afternoon, but forecasters are predicting rain to return in the evening during the second innings.

Napier webcams showing drops of rain, clears for a time this afternoon but on and off for the cricket. Image https://t.co/XGttF7LFMc ^TA pic.twitter.com/0FcyscVowb

— MetService (@MetService) February 1, 2017

Gale-force winds are likely to start around lunchtime in Wellington and last until midnight.

Those heading to the Guns N' Roses concert should be prepared for heavy rain and blustery gales.

The slow-moving front bringing the wet weather to the lower North Island is expected to weaken and head north on Friday.