MetService has issued a severe weather warning for parts of the North Island with heavy rain forecast for northern and eastern regions.

A heavy rain warning has also been issued for Coromandel Peninsula and parts of Bay of Plenty and Gisborne.

An area of low pressure to the northwest of New Zealand directs a moist northeasterly flow onto the North Island, which brings rain to many regions. This low is expected to move slowly southeastwards onto the North Island on Sunday.

People are advised to stay up to date with forecasts in case any of these Watches are upgraded to Warnings or further areas are added.

A heavy rain warring has been issued for the following areas:

Area: Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty about and west of Te Puke
Valid: 24 hours from 2:00 am Saturday to 2:00 am Sunday
Forecast: Expect 100 to 130 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h.

Area: Bay of Plenty east of Te Puke and Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay
Valid: 17 hours from 8:00 pm Friday to 1:00 pm Saturday
Forecast: Expect 70 to 120 mm of rain but 120 to 170 mm about the ranges east of Whakatane. These amounts are in addition to the rain that has already fallen. Peak rates of 10 to 25 mm per hour, with the highest rainfall rates affecting the ranges east of Whakatane. Note, another period of heavy rain may affect this area from Saturday evening into the early hours of Sunday morning, and this warning may be extended.

A heavy rain watch has been issued for the following areas:

Area: Northland, Great Barrier Island and Auckland
Valid: 24 hours from 8:00 pm Friday to 8:00 pm Saturday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Gisborne from Tolaga Bay southwards and Hawke's Bay north of Napier
Valid: 12 hours from 8:00 pm Friday to 8:00 am Saturday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

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