UPDATE 9.07pm: Waka Kotahi is providing an update on the Bay of Plenty roading network as slips, downed trees and flooding continue to cause both traffic delays and unsafe conditions.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises against "all unnecessary travel" around the region.

"Heavy traffic is impacting the ability of contractors to respond quickly to numerous issues," says a Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

"If they're on the road already, drivers are advised to drive to the conditions, watch their following distances and expect the unexpected. Potholes will be prevalent and can't be remedied until the weather eases."

As of 9pm, impacted highways are currently as follows:

• SH30 East – CAUTION multiple slips along the highway between Tiketere and Rotoma. Stop/Go temporary traffic management with 30km/h temporary speed limit will be in place at these slip areas overnight.
• SH2 – CLOSED but expect to be open later this evening. A large tree is blocking the northbound lane just south of Ōmokoroa Road. (Northbound traffic is to detour via Barret Road, Old Highway, Youngson Road. Southbound can stay on highway)
• SH29 – OPEN - slip clearance completed at McLaren Falls Road.
• SH36 – CLOSED due to a slip blocking both lanes near Roy Road Hamurana, and due to flooding and slip debris between Central Road and Jackson Road
• SH5 – CAUTION surface flooding near Barnard Road
• SH30 – CAUTION surface flooding near Isles Road

A video showing surface flooding on Maleme Street, Tauranga. Video: Hirini Houia.

Metservice earlier issued an orange heavy rain warning and a severe thunderstorm watch for the Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, from 3pm today to 3am Wednesday.

Rotorua recorded more than 20mm of rain between 3pm and 4pm with more still to come.

"This is an evolving event so further impacts are expected."

"Motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website, journeys.nzta.govt.nz".

Surface flooding in Greerton earlier this evening. Video: Supplied.

EARLIER 5.19pm: Motorists are blocked by a downed tree "just before" Omokoroa on State Highway 2, according to a SunLive reader at the scene.

The downed tree near Omokoroa on SH2. Photo: Supplied.

Surface flooding has also started near Katikati's Ongare Point, according to another SunLive reader.

Surface flooding at Ongare Point, Katikati. Photo: Supplied.

In the Karangahake Gorge, a video shared to The Aviator Cafe & Experience Facebook page shows traffic building up after a slip.

The road is "down to one lane," according to the post.

The slip on the Karangahake Gorge. Video: The Aviator Cafe & Experience/Facebook.

Another motorist is reporting a washout on Poripori Road.

"School bus had to turn around due to the washout," says the motorist.

SunLive will continue to update this story as the weather unfolds over the evening.

Impacted by the weather hitting our region? Send photos, videos or news tips to Newsroom@thesun.co.nz.

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