WeatherWatch.co.nz says the centre of the storm hammering parts of the North Island tonight is now brushing Whangarei – and the winds are getting stronger.

“The strongest winds are currently wrapped around the centre of this storm, which is tracking to the south west from the north east” says head weather analyst Philip Duncan. “We’ve had reports of power cuts, wind damage and some frightening wind gusts across Whangarei and Kamo and right across to western Northland this evening”. “The eye of the storm, if you like, will cross parts of Northland, south of Whangarei, in the next couple of hours”.

Wind may increase for a time in Whangarei before likely easing later this evening.

“The centre of the low then heads into the Auckland region around midnight”.

Mr Duncan says Aucklanders can expect the winds to build further in some exposed areas as it moves in but hopefully most residents shouldn’t have damaging gusts, with winds expected to ease back before midnight also.

The centre of the low is projected to track over north west Auckland and Helensville between midnight and the early hours of Wednesday.

“Parts of Northland may see the winds ease tonight but they will return tomorrow from the west and be just as strong, if not stronger”.

Those same strong to gale westerlies are also likely to return to northern and central Auckland later on Wednesday too.

Coromandel has been hammered by strong winds today and tonight. One positive to report is that the heavy rain eased earlier than expected, but the winds are being reported as “furiously windy” by one WeatherWatch.co.nz reader in Pauanui. Winds around Coromandel won’t ease until after midnight and for some will linger until dawn.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz