Already, winds gusting more than 50 knots (90 km/h plus) have been recorded off the coasts of Auckland, Northland and the Coromandel.

Electricity network provider Northpower was reporting about 150 customers were without power as nightfall approached on Wednesday.

Authorities were warning of coastal inundation when predicted 5m-6m east coast swells were to be combined with severe gale winds and a 10pm hightide.

The Far North District Council said eight roads have been impacted by the severe weather with two closed as of 4pm. Pukepoto Road was closed due to flooding and Waimatenui/Mataraua roads were blocked by fallen trees.

MetService has issued an updated range of heavy rain and strong wind warnings kicking in from this morning into Friday as Tropical Cyclone Tam was expected to transition into a deep subtropical low as it approaches the country from the northwest.

Northland is under an orange heavy rain warning until 9pm tomorrow, with 100 to 150mm of rain expected. There is also an orange strong wind warning in place for the region from mid-afternoon until 8pm Thursday.

“Severe gale easterlies gusting 120km/h in exposed places, with damaging gusts of 140km/h possible overnight Wednesday and Thursday morning, especially in the north. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning,” the forecaster said.

Orange rain warnings were also issued for Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau, including Rotorua and the Kaimai Range, Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay and Tasman northwest of Motueka.

A heavy rain watch was also issued for Auckland, and Great Barrier Island from 1am tomorrow into Friday.

Auckland was also subject to an orange strong wind warning from 9pm.

Overnight, Fiji’s Meteorological Service upgraded a tropical low that’s been hovering over Vanuatu to a Tropical Cyclone.