A strong wind watch is in place for Taihape today.
MetService says there will be severe gales for southern and central New Zealand and heavy rain for the west of the South Island as a front moves through.
The watch for Taihape was amended this morning to 12 hours from10am to 10pm Friday when northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.
People are advised to keep up with the latest forecasts.
