Rain and wind are thrashing parts of New Zealand on Friday, causing headaches for commuters.
Heavy rain warnings are in place for Coromandel and Gisborne, while heavy rain and strong watches have been issued for Auckland, Coromandel, Wairoa, Bay of Plenty, Marlborough, Nelson/Tasman, Buller and Westland north of Hokitika.
Strong southeasterly winds will hit most of the North Island on Friday, WeatherWatch said.
The top of the North Island, in particular, has been told to expect downpours until at least Friday evening.
According to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, flooding was starting to affect State Highway 16 north of Auckland from 8:25am.
"Please follow directions of response crews upon arrival in the area," Waka Kotahi said, noting the flooding was just north of Kaukapakapa. "Consider delaying your journey or expect delays and possible diversions."
Coromandel Civil Defence controller Gary Towler State Highway 25 in the region remained extremely compromised and advised people to avoid travel until the high tide recedes.
Towler said the wild weather was causing intermittent power outages in Whitianga, Hot Water Beach, Hikauau and Pauanui.
By Saturday, there will be widespread showers on the North Island's East Coast with gusty southeasterly winds. Meanwhile, the south will be fine until rain develops later in the day.
"For the North Island, there is high confidence of heavy rain for Tairāwhiti/Gisborne early Saturday and moderate confidence for Hawke's Bay in the north and about the ranges," MetService said.
And, by Sunday, there will be cloudy periods with rain in the north, while the south also has clouds and a few showers.
