Fresh forecast video shows the predicted path and power of Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, which is still on track to hit New Zealand.
It's expected to unleash severe gales, heavy rain and giant swells upon the country - with red warnings already in place.
The first part of the forecast video shows Gabrielle's path, with the cyclone due to track across Northland before moving south, down towards Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne.
The second part shows the swell height building as the cyclone moves around New Zealand and the third shows the amount of rain Cyclone Gabrielle is expected to unleash.
Some areas can expect to see accumulations through this event of 250-plus millimetres of rain.
MetService issued fresh weather warnings and watches on Sunday morning with the upper North Island in the firing line.
MetService issued a red heavy rain warning for Northland, Auckland, including Great Barrier Island and other islands in the Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay.
The forecaster said rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.
MetService also issued a red wind warning for Auckland, including Great Barrier Island and other islands in the Hauraki Gulf and the Coromandel Peninsula.
"These winds are expected to produce widespread damage, especially to trees and powerlines and could lift roofs," MetService said.
"Transport and power networks are likely to be significantly impacted, with road closures and power outages. Conditions will be hazardous for motorists and there is a danger to life from flying debris and falling trees or branches."
Surf Life Saving New Zealand is also calling on Kiwis in the upper North Island to stay away from the coast and beaches.
Surf Life Saving Northern Region (SLSNR) will only be operating observational patrols from Sunday and this will continue until the cyclone has passed.
"We want people to stay away from our beaches and coastlines if possible. The conditions are going to be extremely dangerous on both the east and west coasts of Auckland and Northland," said SLSNR lifesaving operations manager James Lea.
"To be clear, it is not safe to visit the beach while we are experiencing severe weather conditions, and the coastline should be avoided until the weather clears."
