Evacuated residents in Nelson and the Far North worry for their homes after heavy rain and flooding damaged properties, with more downpours expected into the weekend.

More than 200 homes were evacuated when the Maitai River burst its banks and a state of emergency remains in force.

Nelson mayor Rachel Reese says it will take years for the city to recover.

The Buller, Westland, Nelson and Tasman regions have seen the weather ease over the past day, with a red heavy rain warning downgraded to orange.

Heavy rain is expected to return in the next 24 hours, but it is believed the worst of the weather has come and gone for the West Coast.

In the Far North, 11,000 people are without power after intense rain flooded parts of the region and closed multiple roads.

Far North deputy mayor Ann Court says some people have been evacuated from homes in Kaitaia due to rising water.

Follow the latest weather updates: