Heavy rain is forecast to lash Rotorua, and eastern Bay of Plenty region, over the next 24 hours, causing surface flooding, rivers and streams to rise quickly, and gale force winds, the Met Service forecasted.
Heavy bursts of rain fell in the region on this morning, and between 50mm and 140mm is expected to fall by tomorrow morning, said the Met Service.
There could be peak intensities between 20-25mm an hour in the ranges in the late afternoon today and this evening.
Lighter rain may continue east of Te Kaha early tomorrow morning.
Severe weather moving across the upper North Island is expected to ease late today.