After just a day's reprieve, heavy rain is set to return.
More than 100mm of rain has drenched the region in the past 60 hours, resulting in floods and road closures.
MetService meteorologist Karl Loots said the Bay would be stuck in a southeasterly flow until Friday, with rain possibly clearing by the weekend.
MetService is advising people to regularly check its website for updates.
Wairoa has received the worst of the wild weather, with 120mm of rain there.