More rain expected to sweep Bay today

The brollies were out in central Tauranga yesterday, but the worst of the weather was yet to come. Photo/Andrew Warner.

Big swells brought bad news for Mauao walkers but good news for surfers.

The Port of Tauranga's condition monitors recorded wave heights exceeding 6m in the Tauranga Harbour yesterday, as heavy rain and high winds swept through the region.

Tauranga City Council closed the Mauao base track just before 4pm, citing a danger from a combination of big swells and a rising tide.

"Swells of that size could sometimes come up over the track and risk the safety of users," a spokeswoman said.

The council planned to review the closure this morning.

Meanwhile, the conditions were looking promising for surfers, Mount Maunganui surfboard maker Andy Jordan said.

He said the waves had probably been a bit big and rough on Thursday in all but the most sheltered surf spots, which would have meant a bit of a drive for Tauranga surfers.

He was hoping the weather would settle down as the worst passed through, leaving behind some good waves today and over the weekend.

Thundery deluges rain caused school and road closures in Northland yesterday.

As the low moved down the country, Auckland was spared the worst of it.

Forecasters were expecting the heaviest rain to hit the Bay of Plenty in the early hours of this morning.

Thunderstorms were possible, with downpours of up to 25mm an hour potentially bringing flooding and slips.

Rain accumulations of up to 100mm were expected, with more to come today.

Mr Coutts said another 40-60mm of rain was expected to accumulate between midday and midnight.

"This is the major system that is coming through for the next five days," Mr Coutts said.