A severe weather warning remains in place for the Bay of Plenty with rain expected to get heavier today.

The MetService is expecting rain to become heavy today and to continue through to tomorrow afternoon.

Periods of heavy rain is expected to hit the Bay of Plenty today. File photo.

'In the 36 hours from 3am Thursday to 3pm Friday, 150 to 180mm could accumulate, especially about the eastern ranges,” says a statement from the weather organisation.

'Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm per hour.”

This is a significant amount of rain for these areas, and people are advised that streams and rivers will rise rapidly, slips and surface flooding are also likely, says the MetService.

'In addition, northerly gales affecting parts of New Zealand are expected to be severe, gusting 120 km/h about Taranaki Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.

'Winds of this strength have the potential to damage trees and bring down powerlines, and make travel hazardous.”