MetService says the tail of ex-Tropical Cyclone Lola will begin to make its effects felt in the upper North Island from Sunday morning.
Photo: Supplied / MetService

MetService says those in the upper North Island should prepare for strong wind gusts and heavy rain as ex-Tropical Cyclone Lola begins to make itself felt.
Photo: 123RF

The tail of ex-Tropical Cyclone Lola, which caused extensive damage as it smashed through parts of Vanuatu earlier this week, is bearing down on the upper North Island.

An orange strong wind warning has been issued for Northland from 9am, with heavy rain and easterly gales also expected to hit Auckland, north of Whangaparaoa, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula as the weather system slowly moves south.

⚠ With Strong Winds expected from the second half of Sunday, make sure you are prepared for potential impacts – especially if there is a Strong Wind Warning or Watch for your location. pic.twitter.com/UXrQYKK0b1

— MetService (@MetService) October 28, 2023

MetService is warning of damaging easterly gusts of 130 kilometres an hour in exposed places and said eastern coastlines were likely to get large waves.

Gisborne would be next in line for heavy rain from early on Monday morning, persisting into the evening, the forecaster said.