Motorists are being advised to drive with caution following road slips and flooding in the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel regions this weekend.

In Eastern Bay of Plenty, Whakatane District Council has temporarily closed Braemar Road for urgent culvert repair.

"A large slip recently occurred on Braemar Road and caused significant damage to a culvert in the area," says a Whakatane District Council spokesperson.

"Our crews have been working with urgency to sort out this issue without the need for a prolonged road closure, however a section of the road is in a really unsafe state.

"For the safety of all road users, and our contractors, we now need to close the section of Braemar Road approximately 100m past the Withy Road intersection (Awakaponga end) until further notice while we get this issue sorted."

Detours are in place re-routing traffic in and out of the area either Kawerau or Awakaponga way, dependant on where you're located in relation to the work site.

Braemar Road in Eastern Bay of Plenty has been temporarily closed for urgent culvert repair to take place. Photo; Whakatane District Council.

Whakatane District Council will be providing a further update on the situation this coming week.

"Tēnā koutou i manawanui mai - thank you to everyone affected by this closure and the associated detours for your cooperation and patience while we carry out this important work."

Coromandel

Waka Kotahi NZTA are advising there is a road slip on State HIghway 25 between Coromandel and Whitianga.

"Due to a slip in the southbound lane, drive with caution in the area," says an agency spokesperson.

Western Bay of Plenty

Heavy rain in the Western Bay of Plenty on Saturday caused slips and flooding and left behind mud to contend with.

A slip on State Highway 2 near Matata on Saturday evening caused some traffic delays.

"Police attended to assist with traffic management after receiving a report of a slip over the road [SH2, Matata] at around 6.15pm," says a police spokesperson.

A SunLive reader reports that flooding occurred at around the same time across the road at the Te Puke Highway end of Welcome Bay Road.

In Omokoroa, the Omokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park staff posted a photo to their Facebook page showing a large expanse of mud was left for drivers to contend with following the deluge of rain on Saturday.

Muddy conditions in a carpark in Omokoroa on Saturday. Photo: Omokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park.

Weather update for Sunday

A trough lies slow moving over the country bringing rain to many areas. Heavy rain warnings and watches remain in force for areas in the east from southern Gisborne to Otago.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made.

MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Warning for the following areas:

Area: Gisborne/Tairawhiti south of Tolaga Bay
Valid: 4 hours from 9:00am Sun 9 Jul to 1:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Expect a further 20 to 40 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 5 to 10 mm/h.

Area: Hawke's Bay south of State Highway 5
Valid: 9 hours from 9:00am Sun 9 Jul to 6:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Expect a further 50 to 80 mm of rain about the ranges and also the eastern hills south of Hastings on top of what has already fallen, with lesser amounts elsewhere. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm/h about the ranges and eastern hills this morning.

Area: Banks Peninsula
Valid: 12 hours from 9:00am Sun 9 Jul to 9:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Expect a further 50 to 70 mm of rain to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak rates of 5 to 10 mm/h.

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

Warnings no longer in Force
Heavy Rain Warning lifted for Gisborne/Tairawhiti about and north of Tolaga Bay: Although further rain or showers are expected today, the threat of rainfall amounts reaching warning criteria has passed and the Warning is now lifted. Note, the area south of Tolaga Bay remains under a Warning.

Heavy Rain Watch

MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for the following areas:
Area: The remainder of Hawke's Bay not under warning, that's the area north/east of State Highway 5
Valid: 9 hours from 9:00am Sun 9 Jul to 6:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially in the ranges.

Area: Wairarapa including the Tararua District, and the eastern hills of Wellington
Valid: 9 hours from 9:00am Sun 9 Jul to 6:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about higher ground.

Area: Eastern Marlborough south of Ward
Valid: 12 hours from 9:00am Sun 9 Jul to 9:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: North Otago and Dunedin
Valid: 3 hours from 9:00am Sun 9 Jul to 12:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Rain, possibly heavy at times. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.