Cyclone Gretel is well on her way to New Zealand, bringing strong winds and rain, although unfortunately not enough to ease the drought conditions we have seen over the past few months.

Latest reliable computer modelling continues to agree that Gretel will remain a category 1 or 2 storm with the centre tracking just off northern New Zealand.

The cyclone will hit the North Island on Tuesday with strong winds and gales set to batter the northeast of the North Island. A severe weather watch has been issued for Tuesday and early Wednesday.

The MetService watch has been issued for Auckland north of Warkworth, Northland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula.

The south-easterly winds are expected to possibly reach speeds of 75 km/h and swells of up to six metres are also predicted.