Tauranga Coastguard is warning boaties to take care on the water today, or avoid going out altogether, as the MetService predicts gale force winds.
Coastguard radio operator Joy Adams was only aware of a few boats on the water this morning.
'We have let them know we're in for some rough weather about the middle of the day,” says Joy.
The MetService reports a gale warning is in place for the sea area Plenty, with northwest winds of 20 knots, rising to 25 knots gusting to 35 knots around midday. The wind is expected to change to southwest around noon. Seas will also become rough but visibility is expected to be fair despite the rain.