Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam slams NZ's North Island with gale winds and heavy rain

Residents on the North Island of New Zealand are hunkering down as a severe storm hits the region.

Ex-tropical cyclone Tam was barrelling towards the upper North Island after being downgraded from a category one storm.

Earlier in the week, the Fiji Meteorological Service named it “Tropical Cyclone Tam” as it hovered around Vanuatu.

Metservices say the centre of Tam is expected to remain west of Cape Reinga.

The storm is predicted to bring significant weather conditions to the upper North Island late Wednesday through Thursday.

“This will include strong winds near or above 100km/h and heavy rainfall.”

Hundreds of homes and businesses in Northland have already lost power.

Up to 180mm of rain could fall in the region, and thunderstorms are possible. Strong wind warnings are in place.

Auckland and Great Barrier Island are forecasted to experience severe gale gusts up to 120kph from Wednesday night.

Monster waves are also expected along the east coast from Northland to Gisborne, with a six-metre swell expected on Thursday.

Rain is also expected to spread into South Island on Thursday. Due to strong wind gusts, motorists using Auckland's Harbour Bridge are being cautioned.

Weather warnings have been issued for Northland, Auckland, and Aotea/Great Barrier Island.

MetService has indicated that these warnings could be upgraded as the storm approaches. “This is going to be pretty substantial."

Tropical Cyclone Tam's threat track map, 16 April 2025. Photo/Fiji Meteorological Service

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises road users in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions to be prepared and exercise extra caution while driving.

"This orange warning may extend further into the Waikato region and the Kaimai Range. With school holidays and Easter around the corner, roads are busier than usual."

Andrew Brosnan, the Waikato Journey Manager for NZTA, urges motorists to remain vigilant.