East Cape residents are being warned to be prepared for another severe weather event

Watches and warnings are also in place for the entire North Island, as ex-tropical Cyclone Fili makes its way east of the country.

A Red Warning has been issued for the Gisborne and Wairoa Districts.

Gisborne District Mayor Rehette Stoltz says people should be prepared to self-evacuate if they need to, particularly in low-lying areas.

She says the Civil Defence team is ready to declare an emergency, but people should stay safe in the mean time.