Motorists are being advised to be cautious with heavy rain on the cards tonight for Bay of Plenty west of Matatā, according to MetService.

A heavy rain warning is being issued for the area from 9pm, Wednesday January 4, to 3am Friday, January 6.

"Expect 120 to 180mm of rain to accumulate inland, especially about the Kaimai Range, and lesser amounts nearer the coast," says a MetService spokesperson.

"Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h expected about the ranges, especially from Thursday evening."

"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to raise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous."

Waikato, Coromandel and western Bay of Plenty to Taranaki and Taihape have also been placed under a strong wind watch.

The strong wind watch is set from 24 hours from 6pm, Wednesday January 4, to 6pm Thursday, January 5.

"Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places."