UPDATE 6.08PM: Power is now back on in the Matua area. Still reported to be out in Whakamarama.

State Highway 2, near Katikati, is still closed due to flooding.

The road is closed between Highfields Dr and Beach Rd.

"Expect delays or avoid the area," warns the NZTA.

EARLIER:

Power is out in parts of Tauranga and flooding is forcing authorities to close some roads this evening.

Heavy rain is pummelling the Western Bay as a rain band moves south down over the country.

The MetService says people can expect more heavy rain as the evening progresses.

"This amount of rainfall could cause slips and surface flooding, as well as making driving hazardous, so people need to be aware of the risk and drive to the conditions."

Powerco is reporting power outages in Matua and Whakamarama.

Around 4000 properties are without power in the Matua area, while 367 are reported to be affected by outages in Whakamarama.

Powr is estimated to be back on around 8.30pm.

There are also reports of State Highway 2, near Katikati, being closed due to flooding.

The road is closed between Highfields Dr and Beach Rd.

"Expect delays or avoid the area," warns the NZTA.

SH25 in the Coromandel is also closed to due to slips and flooding in the area.

A severe weather warning is in place for Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty about and west of Te Puke, and the Kaimai Range.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH in force for COROMANDEL PENINSULA and western BAY OF PLENTY. More information: https://t.co/GZIq9Jlbrw ^CF https://t.co/1SNfM9CQcO

— MetService (@MetService) June 3, 2018

Heavy Rain Warning

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

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island
Valid: 8 hours from 10am to 6pm Sunday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with localised downpours and possible thunderstorms until this evening. During this time, some places may get 50 to 70mm of rain falling in a 4 to 6 hour period, bringing surface flooding. Peak intensities of 20 to 25mm per hour could occur with or without thunderstorms.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 11 hours from 10am to 9pm Sunday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible. Expect 75 to 100mm to accumulate. Peak intensities of 20 to 25mm per hour could occur with or without thunderstorms.

Area: Bay Of Plenty about and west of Te Puke and the Kaimai Range
Valid: 20 hours from 10am Sunday to 6am Monday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible. Expect 90 to 120mm to accumulate, especially about the ranges. Peak intensities of 20 to 25mm per hour could occur with or without thunderstorms.

SunLive will keep you posted with any firther updates.

Don't forget to send any weather related photos through to newsroom@thesun.co.nz