Motorists are being warned to drive to the conditions with heavy rain expected to continue in the Bay of Plenty.

According to the TePukeWeather.co.nz, about 11.7mm of rain has fallen in the region this morning.

These photo were taken by Alice Campbell at McLaren Falls this morning. They show just how much rain fell overnight.

The MetService is predicting periods of heavy rain with heavy falls in a very humid northerly flow are expected in northern and central parts of the country.

'Intense heavy rain and possible thunderstorms are expected to continue in Nelson until late tonight and in Marlborough and Taranaki until the early hours of Tuesday, with another 40 to 70mm likely to accumulate in these areas on top of the rain which has already fallen.

'In addition, a short period of intense rain, with possible thunderstorms, is expected about western parts of Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, with 50 to 80mm likely over a 6 to 9 hour period overnight Monday and early Tuesday morning,” says a statement from the weather organisation.

'This amount of rain will cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, slips and surface flooding, and could make driving conditions hazardous.”

There are reports of surface flooding around the region, with police being called to the corner of Cameron Road and 17th Ave.

More rain is expected to fall in the Bay of Plenty today. Image: MetService.