A severe weather warning has been issued for Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula today from the MetService.

An active front is forecast to move eastwards across the South Island today and across the North Island early tomorrow.

Image: MetService.

The MetService says this is likely to be preceded by a strong and moist north to northwest flow and followed by disturbed westerlies. It is likely to be a significant event the media statement says, with potentially damaging winds across much of the country, especially the lower North Island.

A watch for severe gale north-westerlies in exposed place is also in place for both regions from this evening through to early Sunday morning.

The winds have the potential to cause damage and make driving hazardous.