Tropical Cyclone Cody is tracking further east than previously forecast, but MetService is still warning Gisborne and East Cape to be prepared for heavy rain and swells.

The cyclone is currently over waters to the north of New Zealand and is expected to move southwards approaching the country on Sunday and pass near East Cape on Monday.

“At the moment the most likely track is to pass just east of Gisborne – but that’s the centre of the cyclone, it doesn’t mean severe weather is going to miss New Zealand. There is a large area of rain and gales that will affect parts of the country,” MetService meteorologist Stephen​ Glassey​ said.

MetService issued a heavy rain watch for Gisborne and the Wairoa District this morning, along with a strong wind watch for Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane and Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay.

”One thing we are more certain about is large waves from the cyclone – we are expecting hazardous large waves along the east coast of the North Island, starting on Saturday, and getting worse as the cyclone approaches.”