Civil Defence teams across the North Island are preparing for what ex-tropical Cyclone Fili may bring in the coming days. 

The downgraded cyclone that formed near New Caledonia six days ago is approaching New Zealand. 

Recent monitoring from Weather Watch found the cyclone's path moved further east, meaning severe weather risks may be reduced in some western areas. 

MetService has warned that it could be a significant weather event and it will cause widespread impacts. 

Heavy rain warnings are in place for Northland, the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and Fiordland. 

Just two weeks ago the Tairāwhiti Gisborne region was battered with heavy rain and flooding and tomorrow's weather could see up to 300mm of rainfall in the area over a 27-hour period from 6pm. 

MetService said heavy rain could cause streams flooding and slips, and rivers to rise rapidly. 

Strong wind warnings have been issued for Gisborne, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. 

Ex-tropical Cyclone Fili is set to bring heavy rain and severe gales up to 140km/h. Photo / MetService 

Easterly gales could be severe at times over Gisborne from 9pm to 9am on Wednesday, with gusts forecast to reach 120km/h. 

Auckland and Coromandel could be battling 120km/h southeast gales and 130km/h southwest gales while gusts could reach 140km/h out around Great Barrier Island. 

Hawke's Bay residents to prepare 

Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) is warning communities to prepare for the severe weather ex-tropical cyclone Fili may bring to the region. 

Currently there is a Heavy Rain Warning and Strong Wind Watch in place for Hawke's Bay, through to 9pm on Wednesday. 

Group Controller Ian Macdonald said that Hawke's Bay CDEM will activate the Group Emergency Co-ordination Centre on Tuesday morning. 

"We've had a day of planning, national briefings and regional co-ordination meetings and we've started contacting our community champions.  
"We are monitoring the regional situation, activating our emergency co-ordination centre tomorrow morning and preparing to co-ordinate an effective and efficient emergency response if required." 

Macdonald said councils have activated their incident management teams and started preparing infrastructure and staff for possible impacts. 

Residents may experience power outages, road and transportation damage, and coastal inundation from swells in some areas. 

"We're urging people in the region, particularly in our rural communities, to be prepared and to have a plan in place to respond to heavy rain and wind. 

"Ensure you have enough food, fuel and supplies for at least three days and please reach out to your neighbours and those who were impacted during the last rain event to ensure they are prepared as well." 

Counties Energy crews on standby 

Meanwhile, Counties Energy has storm response teams on standby. 

Counties Energy GM Operations Dale Carline said the company is preparing for a large-scale event and encourages residents to do the same. 

"Please start your storm preparations now to lessen the impact on the electricity network and on your loved ones. 

"Take some simple steps now such as securing outdoor furniture and trampolines, and anything else that can become a projectile in high winds. Store some water if you rely on a pump, check your barbecue gas bottle and torches and charge up your smartphones and tablets." 

Carline said residents should treat all lines as live, stay well clear and report any downed or damaged lines or electrical equipment immediately on 0800 100 202 or via 111. 

In the event of large-scale power outages Counties Energy crew will move around the region isolating power to any damaged or downed lines and electrical equipment before moving to restore the network.