Heavy Bay of Plenty rain threat moves on

Photo / Glenn Taylor

Heavy rain forecast to fall in the Bay of Plenty has moved on earlier than expected.

Up to 150mm of rain was predicted to fall about the ranges, and the MetService had forecast peak intensities of 15mm to 20mm an hour, in some cases with thunderstorms until this afternoon.

But the heavy rain had now moved east and warnings had been lifted, MetService said.

Heavy rain falling over Gisborne and north of Ruatoria on the East Coast, was expected to ease by midday.

The low-pressure system followed one last week which soaked the central North Island, causing flood damage to low-lying parts of Hawke's Bay.

- NZPA