Strong winds are continuing to build across New Zealand ahead of a deepening low pressure system which should lie near Southland tomorrow.

Strengthening nor’westers have reached Auckland with gusts moving closer to 50km/h in exposed places.

Gusts to 70km/h are affecting Hawkes Bay and Gisborne with 80 and 90km/h gusts across Wairarapa.

Gale force winds gusting to 100km/h are blasting Castlepoint, at the southern tip of Wairarapa while Wellington remains relatively sheltered, with gusts only to 60km/h on the exposed hills. 

It’s warm in Gisborne this morning with 17 degrees already with 16 in Paeroa and parts of Auckland.

Westerlies gusting to 60km/h are common place across the South Island with rain moving up the West Coast.