Relief as 9-day storm abates

The nine-day storm dropped more than 500mm of rain in some areas of Hawke's Bay - the highest amount in 20 years.

The downpour that battered the region, resulting in flooding, road closures and lambing losses will finally subside today.

The nine-day storm dropped more than 500mm of rain in some areas of Hawke's Bay - the highest amount in 20 years.

MetService meteorologist Stephen Glassey said last week's "significant rain event" saw three times the monthly average fall in nine days.

Napier's average mean rainfall for September is 55mm and the city received 159mm.

Hastings got 158mm, while 194mm was recorded at the Wairoa Aerodrome.

Some areas of the region saw the heaviest downpour in 20 years.

Thousands of newborn lambs and other stock died in last week's storm and losses appeared to have been heaviest west of Napier.

Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay provincial president Will Foley said most farmers were generally pretty happy to have their tanks topped up.

"We were surprised it went on as long as it did but many of the farmers got the moisture they needed, which should see off the threat of El Nino up until Christmas."

Mr Foley said he had not heard final numbers in terms of losses or damage but had his fingers crossed.

"There wasn't too much heavy rain, a lot of it was spread out, so hopefully that means there's not too much impact.

"We weren't quite at the level they got to further north in Wairoa and Gisborne."

Today may see some heavy showers developing in the afternoon, accompanied by light winds.

"Some afternoon showers may be heavy but shouldn't be persistent," Mr Glassey said.

The large ridge of high pressure responsible for blocking the relentless rain system will then slowly move east.

The region looks set for a reprieve from the rain tomorrow, with clear conditions forecast up until Sunday.