Heavy rain and possible severe gales for parts of New Zealand

Updated at 10.50am to add Heavy Rain Watch for Wellington, Horowhenua Kapiti Coast, and the Tararua Range.

An active front moves northwards across the upper South Island preceded by heavy rain.

Meanwhile, a complex trough moves onto the North Island, accompanied by strong and very moist northeasterlies, bringing heavy rain, and possible downpours.

Warnings and watches are in force, including severe thunderstorm watches.

Please stay up to date with the latest forecasts.

Area: Waikato excluding the Kaimai Range, also Waitomo, Taumarunui and Taupo

Period: 11hrs from 9am - 8pm Fri, 9 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria and possibly exceed them in localised areas, especially in downpours. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: North Taranaki, excluding Taranaki Mounga

Period: 9hrs from 9am - 6pm Fri, 9 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria and possibly exceed them in localised areas, especially in downpours. Note, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in force. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.

Area: Nelson northwest of Motueka

Period: 3hrs from 9am - noon Fri, 9 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Wellington and Kapiti Coast

Period: 5hrs from noon - 5pm Fri, 9 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Note, that rain will ease from the south during the afternoon. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: The Richmond and Bryant ranges, also the Rai Valley

Period: 6hrs from 9am - 3pm Fri, 9 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island

Period: 11hrs from 9am - 8pm Fri, 9 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria and possibly exceed them in localised areas, especially in downpours. Note, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in force. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty west of Maketu, except Rotorua, including the Kaimai Range

Period: 13hrs from 9am - 10pm Fri, 9 May

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria and possibly exceed them in localised areas, especially in downpours. Note, a Severe Thunderstorms Watch is also in force. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.

Area: Northland

Period: 5hrs from 9am - 2pm Fri, 9 May

Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Low chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island

Period: 7hrs from 9am - 4pm Fri, 9 May

Forecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Low chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: South Taranaki, inland Whanganui and Taihape

Period: 6hrs from 9am - 3pm Fri, 9 May

Forecast: North to northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Low chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Issued: 10:50am Fri, 9 May
Next update: 9pm Fri, 9 May
Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.