Cyclone fears: New Zealand could face direct hit, warnings for Auckland and Northland

A tropical cyclone forming off Fiji may directly hit New Zealand, weather forecasters say.

And Weatherwatch.co.nz says that although it's not completely clear if it will affect the country, previous cyclones have been deadly because of dangerous rips and large waves.

The tropical cyclone is due to form around Fiji or Tonga and, according to computer modellings, will intensify as it drifts west possibly becoming "severe".

WeatherMap.co.nz uses American models for its forecasts, and they show a direct hit to Northland and Auckland.

However, the European models (ECMWF) show it moving into the Tasman Sea and in a position that could affect either island of New Zealand.

"It's still early to know if this cyclone will directly affect us," says Weatherwatch.co.nz.

Meanwhile, Northlanders are being warned to brace for heavy rain as the MetService predicts up to 130mm of rain could fall on the region in 21 hours from 6pm.

MetService says a humid easterly flow over the northern half of the North Island will dump up to 130mm of rain in Northland, mainly about the eastern hills, from this evening until-mid afternoon tomorrow.

Some will be heavy and thundery and more heavy rain is possible about the eastern hills of Northland on Friday evening.

For the latest weather information check out http://www.metservice.com.

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