Weather

It was the first big picture look at the injury toll that came alongside the loss of life and the massive damage to property and the environment from the storms earlier thsi year.

Relocatable homes have arrived in Tairāwhiti, providing a welcome boost for some of those displaced by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The MetService is reminding people to keep up to date with weather forecasts as heavy rain and damaging winds are expected for Auckland and Northland late tomorrow.

Part of Tairāwhiti's main coastal highway will close tonight, as Easter travellers flood the roads and heavy rains are forecast, with no date for its reopening.

Police will be out in force this Easter watching for dangerous drivers, and those travelling on cyclone-damaged roads and in heavy rain are advised to be cautious.

A heavy rain watch has been issued for Northland, Great Barrier Island and Hawke's Bay with orange heavy rain warning in place for Tai Rāwhiti / Gisborne. Audio

Heavy rains amidst pockets of fine breaks and decent weather is expected this long weekend. Audio

The estimated cost of Watercare's rebuild after Cyclone Gabrielle and Auckland Anniversary flooding could now hit $460 million.

Clean-up costs to fix the battered roads in the eastern Tararua District of the lower North Island could hit $100 million.

Residents in the Christchurch suburb of Avondale are filled with dread whenever they see a weather forecast for rain.

A violent storm packing high winds and heavy rains ripped through southern and midwestern parts of the United States, leaving 21 dead and scores injured.

It comes as heavy rain watches are in place for Mount Taranaki, Tasman and the ranges of Westland.