Heavy wind and rain on the way

A severe weather watch has been issued for Rotorua this weekend. Photo/File

A severe weather watch has been issued for most of the North Island including Rotorua this weekend.

Heavy rain and severe gale northwesterlies are forecast during Saturday and into Sunday.

MetService warned that the gales had the potential to cause localised damage and make driving hazardous.

People are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts as parts of this watch are likely to be upgraded to a warning.