The New Zealand MetService has issued a Strong Wind Watch for several parts of the North Island as a low-pressure system and associated fronts move southward overnight and through Thursday morning (13 November), bringing periods of heavy rain and gale-force winds to multiple regions.

The following watches are currently in effect:

• Wellington and Wairarapa: North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed areas between 0900 hours and 1700 hours (local time) Thursday (13 November).
• Hawke’s Bay, Taupo, Taihape, and Whanganui hill country: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places between 0000 hours and 1100 hours (local time)Thursday (13 November).
• Taranaki: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed areas, turning northwest then westerly Thursday morning, valid from 0000 hours to 1100 hours (local time) Thursday (13 November).
• Forecasters note a moderate likelihood of upgrading these watches to warnings should wind intensity increase.