People are being asked to avoid any unnecessary travel with a forecast of heavy rain and severe gales for parts of the North Island currently in place.

Ex Tropical Cyclone Hale moves close by the North Island today bringing some heavy rain and strong winds, says WeatherWatch.

Waka Kotahi Transport Agency acting maintenance and operations national manager Jaclyn Hankin says heavy rain may cause surface flooding, trigger slips and cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, requiring Waka Kotahi to close some state highways.

'Our contractors will be working hard, doing what they can to keep the state highway network safe and open.”

There is a heavy rain and strong wind warning in place for the Coromandel and Gisborne.

There is also a heavy rain warning for Hawke's Bay from Tuesday morning until Wednesday morning.

Auckland and eastern Northland is also under a heavy rain watch with forecast wind gusts of 75-85km/h which may result in speed reductions and lane closures on the Auckland Harbour Bridge today and Wednesday.

Waka Kotahi says there is a risk of slips on the roads with this sort of weather.

Bay of Plenty and Taupō are also under a strong wind watch from Tuesday morning until Wednesday morning.

Jaclyn encourages people to avoid unnecessary travel and, if they must travel, to expect the unexpected and remain alert.

'Drive to the conditions, view the latest weather forecast on the MetService website (metservice.com) and check your intended route for hazards or disruptions before setting out using the Waka Kotahi interactive Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz).

'Stay alert for unreported hazards, such as surface flooding, slips, fallen trees and branches, and downed powerlines.

'If you must travel, slow down and maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front.”

People should also be mindful of contractors who could be out clearing hazards off the road, and drive slowly through work sites, says Jaclyn.

'We want to see everyone get home safely. Stay safe and stay alert.”