Surface flooding is being reported around Tauranga this morning as heavy rain and strong winds lash the region.

SunLive readers have reported flooding near the Bayfair roundabout and on Takitimu Drive.

'The weather is just atrocious this morning. People really need to drive to the conditions.”

A severe weather watch is in force for the region.

'A complex front moves northeast across the South Island tonight and overnight, then over the North Island during Wednesday,” says the MetService.

'This front is preceded by strong north to northwest winds, and followed by a cold southwest change.

'Warnings and watches for wind, rain, and snow are now in force for parts of central and southern New Zealand.”

The weather organisation is forecasting the heavy rain, to clear this afternoon.

Strong northerly winds are expected changing southwest in the morning.