Campers are being warned to stay away from trees, as blustery wind and rain hits the East Coast of the North Island.

Tairawhiti Civil Defence has put out a warning for campers in the area, many of whom have travelled down for the Rhythm and Vines festival.

Showgrounds Park Motor Camp manager Jacqueline Green is warning her customers about the hazards of camping in stormy weather.

"We have signs and precautions around saying in the interest of safety not to set their tents up directly beneath big trees because we have a few big trees out there."

Green said some campers have cancelled their bookings, but most are just battening down the hatches for a stormy night.

 

"I'm sure these kids have come prepared. They are pretty safe out because they are close to our residents so we'll be keeping an eye out on them as well."

 

The winds, expected to last until 3am, are expected to be especially strong near the coast and could ramp up to severe gales this evening.

The region's civil defence said the heavy rain would hit from 6pm south of Tolaga and last until lunchtime tomorrow.

MetService this morning upgraded its forecast to a heavy rain warning for northern Hawke's Bay saying rivers and streams could rise rapidly, possibly causing flooding and slips. A strong wind watch is in force for the eastern regions as a deep low passes off the coast of the North Island later today.

"For those that are camping or who have light outdoor furniture or trampolines in the likely affected areas, please make sure you secure them," Civil Defence said.

Despite the dire forecast Rhythm and Vines spokesman Chris Henry said organisers did not think the weather would affect the festival.

Henry said they were expecting some rain but nothing that would dampen the spirits of revellers.

"Pack warm and bring a jacket, but it's not looking like it will affect any of the activities," he said.

However, Gisborne District Council advised campers to delay putting their tents up because of the approaching storm.

MetService said squally thunderstorms laced with hail were due to move up the East Coast of the North Island today.

Parts of the Hawke's Bay north of Mohaka is bracing for up to 100mm of rain and intense downpours overnight. Southerly gales of more than 90 km/h are due to hit late this afternoon.

A coastal storm warning was in place with towering 5m swells expected to batter the coastline between Cape Kidnappers and East Cape.

MetService said despite big swells, the gale-force wind means it was not looking great for surfing until the weekend. 

- with content from NZ Herald