Heavy rain warning: Parts of Hawke's Bay to get a 'month's worth of rain'

A low-pressure system of the east coast of the North Island is contributing to a wild week of weather across Hawke's Bay. Photo / Warren Buckland

A heavy rain warning has been issued for parts of Hawke's Bay, with MetService warning the region could see a month's worth of rain over the next few days.

The alert is until about 4pm tomorrow across northern Hawke's Bay.

By early evening, about 80mm had been recorded by Hawke's Bay regional Council at Aniwaniwa Urewera park headquarters in the northern extremes of the region and just over 60mm had been recorded at Kotemaori, between Napier and Wairoa.

MetService warned accumulations of between 150mm and 200mm are possible around the ranges, and between 90mm to 140mm closer to the coast.

Peak rain intensities of between 15mm to 20mm may be expected from late Wednesday until Thursday.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris told Hawke's Bay Today a low-pressure system forming off the North Island near the Bay of Plenty was drifting across the country.

A heavy rain warning is in place for parts of northern Hawke's Bay from 9am on Wednesday through until 4pm Thursday. Photo / MetService

This was driving strong southeasterly winds and "persistent rain" throughout parts of northern Hawke's Bay.

"The low-pressure system remains for quite a few days."

A heavy rain watch is also in place for parts of Hawke's Bay south of Napier from 1am until 11pm tomorrow , with heavy rainfall expected around the ranges and eastern hills.

Heavy rain may cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible, with drivers urged to take care on the roads.

Strong winds have also led to a wind warning being issued along State Highway 5, the Napier-Taupō Rd.

MetService advises strong southeasterly winds may approach gale force in exposed areas, with gusts of 90km/h possible.

Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency advises extra care is required whilst travelling, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

There were already reports of trees falling on roads north of Napier today .

Hastings District Council received reports of trees down on Matahorua Rd near Tutira, Station Rd, Maraetotara Rd near the falls and Puketitiri Rd past Hawkston Rd.

There were no road closures though crews were attending to clean up.