Rain, with possible downpours and thunderstorms until evening. That is how the MetService is describing the weather for Tauranga today.

A severe weather watch is in force for the Bay of Plenty as a front bringing heavy rain and brisk northeasterlies stalls over the region.

'A front in the Tasman Sea is expected to move eastwards across northern and central New Zealand on Wednesday, then stall over the Bay of Plenty on Thursday.

'This front brings strong northeasterlies and heavy rain to the central and upper North Island, and to western Nelson,” says the weather organisation.

'The heaviest falls are likely from Auckland across to Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne. Note, the most significant heavy rain is forecast for Bay of Plenty on Thursday.”

Some surface flooding is already being reported in Tauranga, with one driving calling SunLive to say there is some on Takitimu Drive.

Another person has reported a ute has lost its canopy in Te Aroha.

"The canopy looks like it has been blown off and is in the middle of the road.

"It's pretty hairy over here."

Motorists travelling in this weather are advised to adjust their speeds accordingly and pay attention to the roads.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Auckland, including Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 9 hours from 4am to 1pm Wednesday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain. Localised downpours of 20 to 30mm/hr possible, especially in the east.

Area: Bay of Plenty and Rotorua
Valid: 43 hours from 6am Wednesday to 1am Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Note, rain may ease for a time Wednesday evening and overnight Wednesday. The most significant heavy rain is likely on Thursday.

Area: Gisborne north of Tokomaru Bay
Valid: 31 hours from 6pm Wednesday to 1am Friday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain.

Area: Nelson, west of about Motueka.
Valid: 10 hours from 3am to 1pm Wednesday
Forecast: A period of heavy northeasterly rain.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Western Nelson, Buller, and northern Westland
Valid: 7 hours from 6am to 1pm Wednesday
Forecast: East to northeast gales may become severe in exposed places.