A heavy rain warning is in place for the Bay of Plenty, with predictions of 200 to 250mm of rain to accumulate about the Kaimai Ranges from now until Tuesday afternoon.

A trough of low pressure lies over the North Island and the upper South Island.The trough is forecast to become slow moving over central and upper North Island during Monday.

"Widespread rain across the North Island and the upper South Island, is expected to become
confined to the northern half of the North Island during Monday," says the MetService.

"The heaviest rain is expected about the Sounds and ranges of Marlborough,Tongariro National Park, Taupo, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Waikato from Morrinsville eastwards, Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island.

"A Heavy Rain Warning is force for these areas. People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings in case other areas are added."

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HEAVY RAIN WARNING
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Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato from Morrinsville eastwards, Bay Of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo and Tongariro National Park
Valid: 44 hours from 8pm Sunday to 4pm Tuesday Forecast: Periods of heavy rain till Tuesday afternoon, with thunderstorms possible. Expect a further 200 to 250mm to accumulate
about the Kaimai Ranges and Taupo and 150 to 180mm elsewhere. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm per hour.

Rain about Tongariro National Park easing early Monday morning, and about Eastern Waikato and Taupo during Tuesday morning.

Area: Richmond Range and the Sounds, including the Rai Valley, and Inland Kaikoura Range.
Valid: 4 hours from 8pm Sunday to 12am Monday
Forecast: Periods of heavy Rain until late this evening (Sunday). Expect further 70 to 100mm on top of what has already fallen during this time. Peak intensities 15 to 25mm per hour.

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WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE
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Heavy rain warning lifted for: Taranaki: Heavy rain has now eased and the Warning is lifted. Heavy rain warning lifted for: Nelson: Heavy rain has now eased and the Warning is lifted. Heavy rain warning lifted for: Buller, Westland from Fox Glacier northwards: Heavy rain
has now eased and the Warning is lifted.