Auckland and the north coast of New Zealand are preparing for effects from Tropical Cyclone Hola on Monday. Wind speeds of 90km/h, gusting up to 120km/h are expected for Auckland and the north coast from early Monday and throughout the day. Heavy rainfall is possible and brings the risk of flash-flooding from Auckland to northern Hawke's Bay. Rainfall is expected to exceed 40mm over much of the north with as much as 200mm posible over Northland. Squally thunderstorms are a high risk over the Gisborne region on Monday evening. Storms have the potential to bring heavy downpours of more than 25mm in an hour and wind gusts exceeding 100km/h. Tropical Cyclone Hola is moving south towards New Zealand forming as a category 4 system near Vanuatu with a 'pin-hole' eye. It then eased slightly to a category 3 as it grazed New Caledonia and continued on its path towards New Zealand. It is now weakening below tropical cyclone strength with the strongest winds and rain on the western flank. Fortunately, this system is relatively fast-moving with most severe impacts being felt before Tuesday morning. High pressure will then begin to ridge in on Wednesday, calming the wind and rain. To stay up to date with the latest warnings visit http://www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-watch