MetService issues warning for Whanganui

Whanganui can expect some bad weather over the weekend, MetService says.

Don't make outdoor plans for the weekend - Whanganui's forecast includes gales, high seas and heavy rain.

MetService has issued a weather warning for the lower North Island, including Whanganui. Severe gale north-westerlies are expected to reach up to 120km/h from Saturday evening until Sunday morning.

"This is likely to be a significant event, with potentially damaging winds across much of the country, but particularly the lower North Island," MetService said in a statement.

"Winds of this strength have the potential to be damaging to to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, and could make for hazardous driving conditions."

Whanganui District Council emergency manager Matt Smith said these winds could generate large waves of up to 7m along the Whanganui coastline, with peak waves expected on Sunday evening.

"Combined with high tides these could pose a threat of unpredictable surf and coastal erosion in vulnerable areas," Mr Smith said.

He said anyone in the coastal area should exercise extreme caution near cliffs and along the coast this weekend. This includes Mowhanau, the North Mole, as well as Castlecliff Beach and South Beach.

Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items on their property, have their emergency supplies on hand in case of power outages and to drive to the conditions if travelling.

MetService has also issued a watch [a low-level warning] for heavy rain falling on late Saturday and early Sunday in the Whanganui hill country, Taumarunui, Mt Taranaki and Tongariro national park.

MetService said the stormy weather was caused by an active front moving eastwards across the South Island, bringing disturbed westerlies and north-westerlies.