Heavy rain, slips possible in Bay of Plenty

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Heavy rain is forecast for the eastern Bay of Plenty, as a front moves slowly over the northeast of the North Island today.

Meanwhile snow is expected down to 300 metres in parts of the lower South Island as cold southwesterlies lash the deep south.

The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for Bay Of Plenty and Rotorua, with the heaviest rain falls forecast for the eastern ranges.

In the 14 hours from 9am today, 70-100mm of rain is expected in the eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty, with 10-15mm an hour forecast for this afternoon and evening.

Metservice advises that rivers and streams may rise rapidly and slips are possible.

Snow showers are likely down to 300 metres in Fiordland and parts of Southland and South Otago, with hail and sleet possible to even lower levels. Light snow showers are also forecast for the Lindis Pass and Milford Road over the course of the day.

Snowfall levels are not expected to reach warning levels, and should ease later today, with temperatures picking up tomorrow.

Meanwhile a strong wind warning for inland Canterbury and a severe weather watch for the central North Island have been lifted.