Power cuts are being reported in the Western Bay of Plenty as heavy rain and strong winds hit the region.

Powerco is reporting a power cut in the Pongakawa area.

A rain band is moving across the Bay of Plenty today. Image: MetService.

According to the power company's website, power went off around 6.30am and is expected to be restored around 12.30pm.

The outage is reported to be affecting 145 properties in the Pongakawa area.

The MetService is forecasting heavy rain for western areas as an active front moves eastwards across the country.

This is then expected to be proceeded by a strong and moist northwest flow.

The MetService says the front will bring rain, briefly heavy at times, to the Bay of Plenty. The rain is expected to clear later today.

No road closures have been reported, but motorists are warned to drive to the conditions.

Some heavy rain this morning about the North Island, incl. AKL & Welly. Radar--> https://t.co/Yjbq0jxdqz ^CL pic.twitter.com/6QOxVp5v8o

— MetService (@MetService) July 13, 2016