Total rain forecast from Cyclone Debbie increased for Napier

Ngaruroro river at Chesterhope bridge near Hastings gets a steady soaking from the remnants of former cyclone Debbie.

As of 11.15am 35.8mm of rain has fallen in Napier today as Cyclone Debbie continues to batter much of the North Island.

Metservice's total rainfall forecast for Napier has decreased from 66.1mm at 9am this morning to 57.7mm, while 31.8mm has fallen in Hastings so far with a total rainfall forecast for today of 53.5mm.

Authorities are continuing to closely monitoring river levels in Hawke's Bay.

Heavy rain started over the past 24 hours, with Wairoa getting 63mm, Takapau Plains 52mm, Napier 44mm and Hastings 27mm.

Up to 150mm more could be on its way for some coastal hill areas to the south of Cape Kidnappers and the ranges.

The dismal weather has also forced school closures throughout the central North Island and Auckland while with a state of emergency has been declared in the Whanganui and Rangitikei districts.

Areas across the North Island are awash this morning, with multiple reports of flooded homes, roads and landslips as the tail of Cyclone Debbie continues.

More to come