Weather warnings are in place after heavy rain and thunderstorms hit across the country, with motorists in the North Island urged to take care on the roads.
MetService has warned small tornadoes are possible in the Wellington region.
Bad weather overnight caused a number of issues on the roads in the North Island, prompting Waka Kotahi NZTA to urge motorists to drive with caution.
The agency also issued speed restrictions for Auckland's Harbour Bridge as strong wind gusts continue in the city.
A large slip on State Highway 25 has closed the road Rennie St and Ngarimu Heights Row, north of Thames.
A fallen tree and a slip near Waitara Rd in Te Haroto has blocked the southbound lane on State Highway 5. Another slip has blocked the northbound lane of State Highway 3 in Mahoenui.
While State Highway 1 between Calico Line and Wings Line has been closed due to flooding.
Weather warnings
MetService said a strong and unstable westerly flow with embedded troughs is expected to affect the country on Wednesday and Thursday. It is likely to bring heavy rain over the west of the South Island and in many North Island regions, with gales in some exposed areas.
There is a risk of thunderstorms for much of the country this afternoon and evening, with a high risk from Buller to the Kāpiti Coast, Wellington and Wairarapa. Small tornadoes in these areas are possible, MetService said.
It comes after lightning strikes were hitting the North Island with a wave of strikes in Hamilton and Easter Bay of Plenty from Tuesday until Wednesday morning.
A heavy rain watch has been issued for the Tararua Range, the ranges of Westland south of Hokitika and Fiordland until Thursday morning.
An orange strong wind warning has been issued for Wellington and Wairarapa south of Greytown until Thursday 6am and a strong wind watch for Hawke's Bay south of Waipukurau and Wairarapa from Greytown northwards.
A heavy swell warning is in place for the Kapiti-Porirua Coast to Ōtaki Cape Terawhiti area until Thursday morning. Waves are expected to peak at four metres late Wednesday afternoon.
Kiwis are urged to keep up to date with the latest MetService forecasts in case any watches are upgraded to warnings, changes are made or more areas are added.
