A “life-threatening” cyclone threatens to derail the final race of the Supercars’ round on the North Island of New Zealand.

Practice on Friday and two races on Saturday are expected to go ahead unaffected in Taupo, but wild weather is predicted later in the weekend.

Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to impact the north of NZ on Sunday, creating doubt around the 60-lap race that is set to conclude the round.

Supercars officials met on Thursday, with another update about the weather due later on Friday.

“Supercars is working closely with local and government officials, emergency services and event stakeholders to monitor forecast activity from Cyclone Vaianu,” a Supercars spokesperson said on Friday.

“At this stage, the ITM Taupō Super 440 will proceed as scheduled.

“Supercars will take all measures to ensure public safety and responsibility at this event.”

MetService, New Zealand’s national meteorological service, indicated Taupo should brace for extreme conditions on Sunday.

“For all of the North Island, there is high confidence winds will rise to severe gale in exposed places,” a statement read.

“The combination of damaging winds, heavy rain and coastal inundation makes this a multi-hazard, potentially life-threatening event.”

Sunday’s program in Taupo includes qualifying, a top-10 shootout and the third race of the weekend.

Two 37-lap sprint races will take place on Saturday.

Practice sessions will get the Taupo round, the third-straight year of racing at the picturesque circuit, underway on Friday.

It is the first of back-to-back weekends racing in New Zealand, with the touring car series to head south for the category’s debut in Christchurch next Friday.

Chaz Mostert (5306 points) leads the standings from Will Brown (5244) and Broc Feeney (5240).