MetService has this morning updated its severe weather watch to a severe weather warning for areas including the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua.
Severe southeast gales and heavy rain are forecast for northeastern parts of the North Island late tomorrow and much of Monday.
In its warning issued at 9.13am, MetService stated;
"Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam, currently located near southern Vanuatu, is forecast to track southeastwards over the weekend and pass east of New Zealand during Monday and Tuesday. There remains some uncertainty as to how close to the North Island the eventual cyclone track will be, however, it will likely be a significant event, with strong southeast winds and rain expected over much of the North Island late Sunday and Monday, along with extremely large seas about the east coast.
Around 200mm of rain is expected to accumulate in the ranges of Gisborne, northern Hawkes Bay and eastern Bay of Plenty, with lesser but still significant amounts near the coast. Rivers and streams in these areas will rise rapidly and localised surface flooding and slips are likely as well as hazardous driving conditions.