The upper North Island is bracing for the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Severe weather warnings and watches are in place for the entire North Island and upper South Island.

Red warnings are in effect for Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, and the Gisborne District north of Tolaga Bay.

At least 23-thousand homes across Auckland and Northland have spent the night without power.

NIWA meteorologist Chris Brandolino says  that Northland and Gisborne have had lots of rain already, but the heaviest rain in Auckland is still to come.

Auckland Harbour Bridge has partially reopened.

However, State Highway One over the Brynderwyns remains closed due to large slips, and Whangarei Heads Road east of Whangarei is closed due to flooding.

ALL rail services and MOST flights in the upper North Island have been cancelled.

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