Maleme Street Transfer Station is closed to the public due to flooding.

"We will update when the situation changes," says a statement from Tauranga City Council.

"Commercial vehicles can still enter.

"Te Maunga Transfer Station is open to all customers."

There are also flooding reports at Graham Street and Kairua Road.

A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says flooding has blocked both lanes of the road and only 4WDs would be able to pass through.

The caller advised people in cars to use an alternative route.

McLaren Falls is also being affected by the rain, with one reader describing it as "pumping" this morning.

The MetService says more heavy rain is expected in the region until late this afternoon.

"A slow-moving low over the Tasman Sea is weakening, but it continues to direct a very moist northeasterly airstream onto the country.

"Heavy and thundery falls have affected much of the upper North Island, and also Fiordland and Westland, but the rain is gradually easing."

Until late Monday afternoon, the MetService says periods of heavy rain with possible thunderstorms are likely.

"Rainfall rates of 25mm per hour, or more are forecast."

Surface flooing is being reported around Tauranga as more heavy rain is forecast for the area.