A sub-tropical low moving towards the North Island has resulted in a severe weather warning for the Bay of Plenty.

MetService meteorologist Tom Adams says the low is set to bring heavy rain and gales to many parts of northern and central New Zealand.

'As this low pressure comes closer the winds are going to be changing direction quite quickly.

'Tauranga overnight has experienced some strong winds which have come from a southwesterly direction and these have now turned southeasterly.

'Tauranga as a region tends to get strong south westerlies quite regularly, as winds come up through Pyes Pa quite easily.

'When it comes from a southeast direction on the other hand, Tauranga is generally sheltered because of its layout – it's sheltered by Papamoa Hills and there's a lot of land in the way.

Tom says despite this, the winds are going to continue rotating around as the low gets closer.

'The low is looking to set landfall at about midday to the east of Papamoa and back towards Whakatane.

'Residents in this area will experience southeasterly winds and northerly winds in shore, and those in areas to the west will feel southwesterly winds.

'Because there is this tight parcel of energy in the form of this low coming in, there's very different directions of wind throughout the Bay of Plenty.

Winds in the Bay of Plenty switching gale southeasterly to gale northeasterly around midday - 2pm as the low pressure makes landfall. The change in direction is likely to cause additional damage to trees, but care is advised right through to this evening when winds ease. ^TA pic.twitter.com/gDlJaWMZYT

— MetService (@MetService) June 11, 2018

'We've already measured winds on White Island at 160km/h, and this has come from a high mast on a very big hill.

'Even at Rotorua Airport, which is a lot more sheltered, we're seeing gusts up to 80km/h.

'So while there is a temporary shelter for Tauranga the winds are going to turn back to this southwesterly direction.”

A lull is expected until about 3pm.

'But do make sure if you have trampolines or unsecured items outside you tie them down, and be aware of fallen trees and powerlines as well.”