A heavy rain watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty and Taupō.
A low that developed in the northwest of Taranaki last night has deepened and will hang around the central parts of the country both today and tomorrow bringing periods of heavy rain.
These downpours are expected in Rotorua and Bay of Plenty, mainly east of Whakatāne, with a watch in place from 9pm Thursday through to 1am Saturday.
Rainfall amounts of 130mm to 180mm is expected.
Taupō can expect the same weather from 8pm Thursday to 9am Friday.