The Easter theme rang true at Alexandra Park's rescheduled meeting.

The thunderstorms were expected to be accompanied by 'torrential rain'.

At its peak, about 20,000 Auckland homes were without electricity.

One desperate owner stood by himself in the dark trying to stop a creek from flooding.

He thought it was a small puddle. Then his engine died.

Houses and streets were swamped by 110mm of rain that fell from midnight.

Auckland residents and shop owners are feeling the aftermath of Cyclone Tam this morning. Video / NZ Herald

Heavy weather hit Auckland to begin the weekend, as the Prime Minister heads to the UK then Gallipoli for Anzac Day.

'These thunder slaps are godlike', wrote one Aucklander after a sleepless night for many.

A teen had to run for his life in Kerikeri as a tree collapsed in the wild weather.

Continued heavy rainfall is expected overnight and may lead to localised flash flooding.

A potential low-system is set to form on the northeast coast of New Zealand.

MetService National Weather Update: April 18th - April 23rd. Video / MetService

In a social media post today, the company said seven vehicles were probably written off as a result of last night's flooding. Video / Paeroa Towing

Hair feeling curlier than usual? You can thank the tropical air being ushered in by the remnants of Cyclone Tam! Video / NIWA

Girl, 10, and nanny had lucky escape when part of a tree fell on a car they'd just exited.

The truck had been repairing a downed power line during the storm.

Bay of Islands residents are urged to save water as repairs are under way in Paihia.

About 10,000 homes remain without power in Northland this evening.

Tonight's harness racing meeting has been postponed because of the weather.

New Zealanders are beginning to take to the road as the long Easter weekend kicks off.

Esme Barber said her young daughter and her babysitter had just arrived.

"Napier and Hastings will be reaching up into the 25C to 26C," but rain is expected.

Helena Bay, northeast of central Whangārei, is battered by large swells, winds and high tides on Thursday. Video / Denise Piper

Fire and Emergency is responding to concerns about a roof lifting off a home on Beach Road in Campbells Bay as Cyclone Tam hits the North Island.

Worst weather yet to come, Mark Lundy has another chance at freedom and most state schools running at capacity or above.

Maritime NZ says some of the winds forecast are the strongest since 2017.

Auckland Emergency Management has called in extra staff.

One person was plucked from Tauranga harbour as strong winds and swells increase.

Strong winds hit Ōrewa and Ōnetangi beaches as Cyclone Tam intensifies. Video/ Sylvie Whinray, Sarah de Croy