The Whakatane District Council is asking people to avoid stopping on the Whakatane Bridge as it's creating traffic delays.

People who haven't evacuated from Edgecumbe are asked to evacuate IMMEDIATELY as flood waters continue to rise.

"Go to friends and family in unaffected areas if possible or to the Kawerau Events Centre where an emergency centre is being set up," says a spokesperson for the district council.

Here are some photos of flooding and damage in the area.

A milk tanker in Gow Road this morning. Photos: News Whakatane.

Matata Road is closed and people are being turned away. Photos: Ryan Wood.