UPDATED 8.40AM: Heavy rain for eastern Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne is expected to ease around midday today.

The heavy rain about eastern Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne is expected to ease by around midday today, says the MetService.

However, another 30 to 50mm is possible in these areas until this time.

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HEAVY RAIN WARNING

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Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane, and Gisborne north of Ruatoria

Valid: 4 hours from 8am to 12pm Monday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain are expected until around midday before easing.

Expect a further 30 to 50mm of rain to accumulate on top of what has already fallen, especially about the ranges, giving a total rainfall of around 200mm for this event over several days. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm per hour are possible at first.

EARLIER:

Bay of Plenty residents are being warned to brace for heavy rain today as a slow moving low moves over the Tasman Sea.

The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for the Bay of Plenty through to northern Gisborne.

'A slow moving low over the Tasman Sea is directing a moist northerly flow over the North Island, bringing rain to northeastern areas.

'The heaviest rain is expected about eastern Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane and Gisborne north of Ruatoria, and a warning remains in force.”

The warning will be updated at 10am.

Heavy Rain Warning

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.