Ex-Cyclone Fili has much of the North Island in the firing line as it races towards us next week.
Meteorologists warn it will likely bring severe wind and rain risks and dangerous marine conditions as the storm re-energises into a bigger low-pressure system. Here's what you need to know about some of the dangers New Zealand faces.
Severe gales
As the storm moves in on Tuesday or Wednesday, WeatherWatch says it will bring with it gales from the easterly quarter.
These turn more southerly with a "potentially damaging sting in the tail" on Wednesday or Thursday as winds kick in from Cook Strait to Auckland and ramp up as the storm deepens.
MetService warns there is a high confidence of severe gales for western parts of the North Island from Auckland to Wellington during Wednesday and early Thursday.
There's also a high confidence of severe gales in the east from Coromandel to Gisborne and Hawke's Bay during this period and moderate confidence of severe gales in Northland, including Great Barrier Island, from late Tuesday to Wednesday.
Rain and flooding
Heavy rain is once again forecast to hit the eastern side of the North Island, including areas recently hit by severe flooding.
WeatherWatch's IBM data shows the potential for rainfall exceeding 200mm in some parts of Hawke's Bay and the Gisborne region.
MetService says there is high confidence of warning amounts of rain in the east from Coromandel to Gisborne and Hawke's Bay, including eastern Taupo, during Wednesday and early Thursday.
It's also possible pockets of heavy rain will hit across the upper North Island. MetService assesses there's a moderate confidence of warning amounts of rain in Northland, including Great Barrier Island, from late Tuesday to Wednesday.
Impacts and disruptions
WeatherWatch warns the storm will likely mean slips, isolated flooding and road disruptions in the North Island.
"Power outages are also possible with winds strong enough to bring down trees and branches. Flights may also be delayed and cancelled along with Cook Strait ferry services," it says.
"This storm, while quite fast-moving, has the potential to cause disruptions to power and travel across parts of the North Island this week."
MetService meteorologists are closely monitoring this situation. People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and official advice.
