Bay of Plenty residents are being urged to prepare for the possibility of more heavy rain.

A heavy rain watch issued for the region yesterday, remains in place today.

"A low is expected to move southeast over the upper North Island this evening and early Friday," says a spokesperson for the MetService.

"There is still uncertainty regarding the timing and depth of this low, but it is likely to bring a period of heavy rain to parts of the northern North Island impacted by recent heavy rainfall, and also strong southwest winds.

"People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made, or more areas added."

HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula

Valid: 14 hours from 2pm Thursday to 4am Friday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may exceed warning criteria.

Area: Bay of Plenty

Valid: 14 hours from 6pm Thursday to 8am Friday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Gisborne

Valid: 14 hours from 7pm Thursday to 9am Friday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Hawke's Bay north of Mohaka

Valid: 13 hours from 9pm Thursday to 10am Friday

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

STRONG WIND WATCH

Area: Northland

Valid: 7 hours from 11pm Thursday to 6am Friday

Forecast: Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula

Valid: 9 hours from 12am to 9am Friday

Forecast: Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.