Wind warnings are today in force for the eastern North Island following three days of torrential rain.

MetService is warning damaging gales gusting up to 130km/h will affect exposed parts of Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa.

Most exposed will be Mahia Peninsula.

The wind warnings will remain in place until midnight tonight.

Motorists are asked to drive with extreme care and residents in the affected areas should be aware these winds are strong enough to blow down trees and powerlines and potentially lift roofs.

The strong winds are related to the deep low moving off the eastern coastline.

By the weekend settled weather should move across much of the nation.

Frontpage image / A windy day, Joanne Ottey