MetService is warning people to prepare for strong gales and heavy rainfall, which are already hammering Wellington and parts of the South Island.
Most of the South Island is under an orange strong wind or heavy rain warning, while an orange strong wind warning for Wellington will come into effect at 10pm on Monday.
Flights have been cancelled, fallen trees have closed highways, parts of the South Island have lost power, and up to 130km/h gusts could hit Wellington.
More heavy rain has been forecasted later in the week.
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