Waipuna Hospice near Te Puna has been evacuated today amid flooding in the area.

Heavy rain has lashed the region and a number of roads are closed due to flooding and slips.

The Wairoa Bridge underpass was closed earlier today due to flooding.

Waipuna Hospice CEO Richard Thurlow says the Waipuna Hospice is ok and buildings are above flood level at present.

"We have taken the decision to evacuate patients to a partner Age Care Facility [thank you Althorpe!] Because access to site along Te Puna Station Road was getting very poor," Richard says in a post on Facebook.

"All staff are safe and continuing to provide care to patients in the community. We will be posting updates as we learn more about the developing situation.

"Thank you for all your offers for help and assistance.

"Please stay safe out there!"

A severe thunderstorm watch and heavy rain warning remain in place for the region.

According to the MetService, there is a possibility of thunderstorms about Bay of Plenty and Taupo today and tomorrow.

"Between early afternoon today and 7am Sunday morning, one or two these thunderstorms may become severe, producing localised downpours with intensities of 25 to 40 mm per hour.

"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

"Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain."