Strong winds and rain continued overnight over parts of the Northland and Auckland regions.

Winds were expected to gust at their peak between 120-140 kph in exposed places and possibly as high as 160kph in isolated areas, vulnerable to a howling nor’ easter.

Government forecaster MetService issued a number of warnings for north and eastern areas of the North Island yesterday.

Rainfall totals overnight were expected to be significant with a gradual easing expected from the north throughout this morning.

Last night the storm system headed east at one point rather than southward towards New Zealand, suggesting that the worst of the weather may not be fully experienced on our northern shores.