<\/p>\n
\n
Photo: MetService\n<\/p>\n
MetService is predicting several heavy rain and strong wind watches across the country that may be upgraded to warnings.<\/p>\n
The lower North Island is feeling the brunt of rough weather, with wind gusts reaching more than 130km\/h in Wellington.<\/p>\n
Motorists on the Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on Transmission Gully are being warned to check conditions before they travel because of the high winds.<\/p>\n
State Highway 53 near Featherston has reopened after power lines falling near the road closed the route earlier on Sunday morning.<\/p>\n
And it is possible the Waihenga River Bridge near Martinborough might have to close because the river is running high.<\/p>\n
An orange-level heavy rain warning is in place in the Tararua Range until 8pm Sunday and a strong wind watch has been issued for Wellington, Wairarapa and the Tararua District.<\/p>\n
MetService has issued a severe weather watch forecasting periods of heavy rain and strong northwest winds for central and southern parts of the country.<\/p>\n
It said an unsettled northwest flow with embedded fronts would affect the country.<\/p>\n
Warnings and watches were in force for heavy rain and severe gales.<\/p>\n
There were heavy rain watches in Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taihape north of Ohakune and Taranaki northeast of Whangamomona from 5pm on Sunday for 43 hours.<\/p>\n
It said there was a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.<\/p>\n
In Taranaki, rain was expected for 13 hours from 10am on Monday, while in the Westland ranges periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms were also expected from 5pm.<\/p>\n
Both had a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.<\/p>\n
A strong wind watch was in place in Wellington, and northwest winds that could approach severe gales in exposed places were expected in the Canterbury High Country on Sunday until 6pm.<\/p>\n
MetService said it would issue an update at 9pm on Sunday.<\/p>\n
More than 1000 homes were also now without power in regions across the North Island.<\/p>\n
Of those, nearly 700 are customers in Taranaki, Manawatu-Whanganui and Wairarapa, however there have also been blackouts in K\u0101piti and Horowhenua.<\/p>\n