Power is out to properties in Paeroa, Te Aroha, Te Mata and Thames, as heavy rain and strong winds move down the North Island.

A heavy rain warning is in force for the Coromandel region today.

The MetService is forecasting about 100 to 140mm of rain in 24 hours from 11pm Wednesday until 11pm on Thursday.

'Peak rates of 10 to 25 mm/h expected from Thursday morning, and localised downpours of 25 to 35mm/h possible during Thursday afternoon and evening, especially in the north.”

A Te Aroha resident says he had a bit a of sleepless night last night.

"I could hear the fire brigade being called out at all hours.

"When the wind hit my house, it shook it to the foundation. There are beer cans blowing up by footpath, but I have no idea where they came from. One even just fell from the sky and onto my deck.

"It crazy."

The man has lived in Te Aroha for about 20 years and says the winds are unlike anything he has seen in a long time.

"You can hear it roaring up before it hits the house."

Meanwhile, there is a heavy rain watch in force for the Bay of Plenty, west of Te Puke.

The MetService says rainfall amounts may reach warning criteria.

There is also a strong wind watch in force for the Kaimai Range until about 8pm.