It's a great day for staying home plonked in front of the telly with a hot cuppa, believes Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion.

But the district's top road cop knows this isn't a possibility for everyone, so he's asking every single motorist to take extreme care when they're out and about on the roads today.

Appalling wet weather, coupled with terrible driving behaviour, can create a potentially dangerous scenario that no-one in the Western Bay needs to deal with today, especially police. File Photo.

'Look, the weather is absolutely atrocious today and driving in these conditions will require special care and attention. Realistically, if you can avoid going out today then I would definitely stay home.

'But if you have to go out then my advice to people is to slow down, respect following distances and make sure you concentrate on their driving and the environment around them.”

So far there have been no major incidents or crashes in the district which have come across Ian's desk this morning – and fingers crossed – it stays that way for the rest of the day.

But Ian says there is a diesel spill on State Highway 33 between Okere Falls and Paengaroa, so is asking motorists travelling through the area to take particular care.

Western Bay drivers can not only help police, but more importantly themselves, by taking on board the handy safety tips Ian is sharing.

Flooding at Mount Maunganui this morning. Supplied photo.

'Given the amount of rain we've had so far, motorists need to be wary of surface water or flooding, and if you're travelling on rural roads today there could be slips as a result of the weather. Read here for the latest weather forecast for the region.

'Take particular care at intersections and make sure your vehicle's windows are free of condensation so you have the best possible outlook.”