UPDATED 10AM: Heavy rain is expected to hit the Bay of Plenty from midday today and residents are being warned to take all necessary precautions.

The region is expecting 200 to 250mm of rain in the 48 hours from midday today to midday on Friday.

The bulk of the rain is expected to arrive tomorrow on Thursday and coastal communities are expected to be the worst-hit.

Severe gales are also predicted along the coast, which will likely lead to storm surges and flooding of coastal margins.

Clinton Naude, Group Controller for the Bay of Plenty, says people should be prepared.

'The Bay of Plenty region is already dealing with the effects of Ex-Cyclone Debbie, which saw extensive rain fall in the region last week. With further rain set to arrive from today people should observe natural warning signs.

"If you're living near a river, low lying or coastal area and concerned or feeling unsafe don't wait for official alerts to act.

'Take this time to get your Grab and Go kits ready, especially if you're living in low-lying coastal areas. Keep up to date with Civil Defence advice and make sure you have a plan on where to go should you have to evacuate.”

People can sign up for Bay of Plenty Civil Defence text alerts by texting the two letters for your area to 2028:

• TA – Tauranga
• WB – Western Bay
• KA – Kawerau
• WH – Whakatāne
• RO – Rotorua
• OP – Ōpōtiki

People can also follow the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bopcivildefence or visit the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence website at www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz for information about how to get ready before an event.

EARLIER:

Some of the base track around Mauao remains closed due to slips. Supplied photos.

As a severe weather warning remains in place in the Bay of Plenty for the heavy rain and high winds, residents are being urged to be prepared and make a plan.

'Make sure you check drains and gutters around your home and workplace to make sure they are clear,” says Paul Baunton, Manager: Emergency Management at Tauranga.

'Also tie down any outdoor furniture. Keep pets inside and if you don't need to travel, then stay put. If you must travel, we ask motorists to take extra care on the roads.”

Up to 200mm of rain is expected to fall in a 40-hour period from midday today, with the worst of it arriving late morning, early afternoon tomorrow.

Tauranga City Council has completed its preparations for the severe weather and key Council teams and Civil Defence are on standby.

For further updates, visit the MetService and Bay of Plenty Ciivil Defence websites.

Mauao Tracks

More of the base track on Mauao has now been reopened and is accessible from the Mount Maunganui beach side of the mountain.

The Pilot Bay end of the track, where the biggest slip occurred during recent severe weather, remains closed.

Staff will be monitoring Mauao for potential further damage from Cyclone Cook and will extend closure areas as necessary.

Staff are working on options to create a temporary bypass around the section of track that collapsed.

The temporary bypass will create access for walkers and runners only. Long term repair in this location will take much longer to resolve.

All other tracks on Mauao remain open at this time.

All Foodstuffs stores fully stocked in the Bay of Plenty area

Ahead of the incoming bad weather in the Bay of Plenty region, Foodstuffs wishes to advise that all stores (New World, PAK'nSAVE and Four Square) are well-stocked with normal groceries and supplies.

"We want to reassure customers that there are ample supplies for them and their families," says a statement from the supermarket chain.

"As a precaution all stores are receiving supplementary shipments of emergency provisions of water and other staples."