Storm incoming: Heavy rain and wind watches issued as tropical low looms over NZ

Parts of the North Island could be in for a serious soaking over the next couple of days as a tropical storm approaches the top of the country.

MetService has issued heavy rain watches for the Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty, with the tropical low expected to bring downpours and strong winds up to 100km/h in parts of the North Island.

According to MetService, the Coromandel Peninsula and areas of Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau could see "heavy rain and localised downpours", with a moderate chance the watch could be upgraded to a warning.

A strong wind watch is also in place for the Far North District from 1pm to 11pm on Wednesday, with a moderate chance that could be upgraded too.

Northland Civil Defence is reminding people to take extra care on the roads and make sure they’re prepared in case strong winds cause power outages.

"If you’re travelling during the watch period, take extra care on the roads, especially if you’re in a high-sided vehicle or on a motorcycle," they wrote on Facebook.

"It’s also a good idea to check you’re prepared for any potential power outages caused by strong winds."

From Thursday, the storm is expected to move south and could reach Auckland, bringing wet and windy conditions to the city.

The South Island isn't fully escaping the wild weather, either.

MetService says another "period of heavy rain, and amounts that may approach warning criteria" will move through onto Fiordland (West of the lakes) from 9pm Thursday to 5am Friday.

By Friday, the tropical low and associated Fiordland wet weather are expected to move across the northern half of the North Island, while the Fiordland front pushes northeast across the rest of the South Island.

If the forecast remains as predicted, the rain should ease by Saturday morning.