A Heavy Rain Watch remains for Auckland, including the Hibiscus Coast, until 3am Thursday.

A period of heavy rain is forecast, easing toward evening.

Localised downpours are possible north of the Harbour Bridge until early afternoon.

Easterlies are forecast, strong in exposed places, with gusts up to 80 km/h.

MetService says there is a high chance the Watch will be upgraded to a Warning for Auckland.

A Warning remains in place for Northland, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.

Impacts flagged include streams and rivers rising rapidly, surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions.

Advice given is to clear drains and gutters if it is safe to do so, avoid low-lying areas, and drive cautiously.

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