Torrential rain and strong gales are blowing across much of the North Island tonight, with Auckland hit hard

MetService has issued heavy rain and strong wind warnings for the city and Great Barrier Island, until midnight.

Emergency Management General Manager, Adam Maggs, says low-lying areas could be at risk.

He says if people observe natural warnings like rising flood waters, they need to act fast.

Warnings and watches have been issued for most of the North Island - and upper and western parts of the South Island.

Meanwhile, a heavy snow watch is in place for Canterbury.