Northland is facing intense winds and torrential downpours, as Tropical Cyclone Tam approaches the country

Orange Rain Warnings are in effect for Northland -- with Orange Wind Warnings issue for Northland from 3pm, and Auckland and Great Barrier Island from 9pm.

Civil defence officials in both regions are monitoring conditions.

MetService metereologist Thapi Makgabutlane says gusts in Northland could reach up to 140 kilometres an hour -- a speed we haven't seen in a long time.

She says that combination of rain, with very strong winds from an unusual direction, could make trees and other structures prone to damage.