Parts of the country are being warned to brace for strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and severe thunderstorms

Bluebridge and the Interislander have canned all ferry sailings until at least tomorrow afternoon -- following a Orange Wind Warning for coastal Marlborough, the Marlborough Sounds and Wellington.

Further north, a heavy rain watch and thunderstorm watch is in place for Taupo, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay this afternoon.

MetService says the region can expect heavy downpours and hail.