A heavy rain warning is being issued for the Bay of Plenty region.

The MetService says strong moist northerlies are expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to many areas.

"A moist northerly flow with embedded fronts affects the country today and tomorrow.

"A subtropical low is expected to move south, just west of the upper North Island tomorrow afternoon bringing strong winds and increased rainfall.Heavy rain and strong winds are likely for many upper North Island areas."

The MetService says people are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case further Warnings are issued, and if any of the Watches are upgraded.

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HEAVY RAIN WARNING - ORANGE

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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: Northland

Valid: 9 hours from 9am to 6pm Thursday

Forecast: Expect 60 to 70mm of rain. Peak rates could briefly reach of 20 to 30mm/h during the period.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula

Valid: 14 hours from 9am to 11pm Thursday

Forecast: Expect 90 to 120mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h.

Area: Bay of Plenty and Rotorua

Valid: 14 hours from 11am Thursday to 1am Friday

Forecast: Expect 90 to 120mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h expected.

Area: Nelson west of Motueka

Valid: 4 hours from 11am to 3pm Wednesday

Forecast: Further heavy rain is expected to affect the area. Expect

30 to 50mm in addition to rain which has already accumulated.

Area: Westland

Valid: 36 hours from 11am Wednesday to 11pm Thursday

Forecast: Expect 300 to 400mm of rain about the ranges, with 100 to 150mm nearer the coast. Peak rates of 20 to 30mm/h expected during Thursday about the ranges.