Cyclone Gabrielle is on its path through the North Island and significant amounts of rain are expected across the motu today,
Whitianga is forecast to be hit with a whopping 211 millimetres of rain, followed by Gisborne at about 140mm.
Large waves, storm surges, slips and damaging winds are also threatening the eastern coasts.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris spoke to Kim Hill.
