Power outages are popping up across Northland - as Tropical Cyclone Tam nears New Zealand

Rain and wind's been drenching the Far North - and will progress down the North Island until Friday.

Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Tasman for periods between now and midnight Friday.

A strong wind warning kicks in for Northland from 3 this afternoon, and for Auckland from 9.

MetService Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says that's when things could ramp up.

She says that combination of heavy rain and strong winds may cause issues later today and tomorrow.