Weather: Flights cancelled, delayed as strong winds arrive

Flights have been disrupted by high winds in New Plymouth while parts of Hawke's Bay and Gisborne had heavy rain overnight.

Six Air New Zealand services were cancelled and there were long delays for other flights due to a strong crosswind at New Plymouth, the airline said.

MetService said the conditions may not ease until Thursday afternoon.

Air New Zealand was rebooking customers on the next available service and said it appreciated their patience and understanding.

Rain watch extended for East Cape

Meanwhile, MetService said there has been heavy rain overnight in parts of Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.

A rain watch in place for that region has been extended until Thursday with thunderstorms possible in same places late morning.

MetService warned a low could bring periods of heavy falls over the next two days, especially to the Wairoa district, where some shops were flooded yesterday after an overnight deluge.

Up to 80mm fell in the Wairoa district Monday overnight with the township inundated around 3am.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Wairoa District Council are monitoring the Wairoa River Mouth.

"River levels at town bridge are fluctuating about 1 metre between high and low tides, which is normal in this type of weather event, Hawke's Bay Regional Council said.

The sea swell is forecast to stay high through to Thursday.

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