Deluge expected today

Auckland: People in Auckland are being warned to prepare for power cuts ahead of predictions the region could have 25mm of rain in an hour — something that has not been recorded in three years.

The MetService is warning strong winds and heavy rain today could cause trees to topple on to powerlines, according to power company Vector.

The low over the Tasman Sea was expected to hit parts of the North Island last night and could bring thunderstorms with 80mm to 100mm of rain in some areas from 1am to 7pm today, according to the MetService.