A new power cut has hit almost 1000 homes and businesses in the tourist hotspot of Russell as high winds and heavy rain batter the north of the country.

The Upper North Island is expected to be in for a drenching on Tuesday, with a subtropical low sweeping down from Northland.

A heavy rain warning is in place for Northland, Coromandel Peninsula and from 4pm in Tai Rāwhiti.

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