Many parts of the North island are being battered by heavy rain

Northland has been hit by northeast gales and torrential downpours overnight, forcing the closure of some schools.

Locked-down Auckland has had periods of heavy rain, with all Western Line train services between Britomart and Kingsland cancelled until further notice.

Heavy rain is also forecast for Bay of Plenty, west of Whakatane; the Coromandel; Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.

Coromandel is also likely to endure thunderstorms this afternoon and early evening.