Parents are being advised to keep in contact with schools and early learning centres following severe weather that forced five schools and three ECEs across the country to close yesterday.

"The latest information we have is that the Bay of Plenty, and Opotiki in particular, that has been most severely impacted by this weather," says a statement from the Ministry of Education.

"The best information will come from schools and early learning services themselves as they make decisions this morning. Parents are advised to check school or early childhood service websites or Facebook pages or contact them directly."

Yesterday's school closures were:

Opotiki College, Te Kura o Torere, Kutarere School, Mangorei School and Mapua School.

Yesterday's ECE closures were:

Opotiki Community Childcare Centre, Opotiki Rose Garden Preschool and Te Pou Oranga ō Whakatohea ECE