Watch updated at 3:30pm as Northland is now under a Warning.

A low is slow-moving northwest of Cape Reinga. An associated front is expected to sweep down over the top of the North Island today and tomorrow. A strong northeast airstream ahead of this front is expected to bring a period of heavy rain to the north and east of the North Island. The heaviest falls are expected about the east of Northland, and for the Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty where 120 to 160mm is possible, and a warning has been issued for these areas.

Heavy rain is also expected to affect Auckland, eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay where rainfalls amounts may approach warning criteria.

People in these areas are advised to watch out for surface flooding,

slips, rapidly rising streams and rivers, and to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case further areas need to be upgraded to a full warning.