Downpours and severe gales hitMetService MetService Severe Weather WarningGales whipping central New Zealand have sparked warnings to motorists and hit commuter ferry services in the capital. Heavy rain and severe northwest gales were on the cards for many as a very strong northwest flow covered the centre and north of New Zealand. MetService was warning of downpours in western areas, while northwest gales would affect much of central New Zealand until Tuesday afternoon or evening. METSERVICE/Supplied Heavy rain covers the North Island in this MetService rain forecast map for 7pm Tuesday. Northwest gales would be severe at times in Hawke's Bay and Taihape, with gusts reaching 120kmh in exposed places, especially about high ground, MetService warned.

Source: Stuff September 25, 2017 16:47 UTC