Heavy rain seen in the Bay of Plenty over the past few days is expected to clear today.

Severe weather watches and warnings remain in place for many parts of the country.

A heavy rain warning remains in place for the Coromandel Peninsula today.

A strong wind watch is currently in place for the Bay of Plenty.

A slow moving low and associated fronts are affecting northern parts of the country, says the MetService.

"Heavy Rain Warnings are now in force for Coromandel Peninsula and northern Gisborne, while a Heavy Rain Watch is in place for Hawke's Bay and southern Gisborne. Also, Strong Wind Watches are in place for parts of the North Island.

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

The MetService is expected to issue its next update around 10am.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

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

Area: Coromandel Peninsula

Period: 16hrs from 8pm Mon, 5 Jun - noon Tue, 6 Jun

Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain, mainly about the ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h in thunderstorms, but 25 to 40 mm/h are possible in localised downpours.

Area: Gisborne about and north of Tokomaru Bay

Period: 22hrs from 8pm Mon, 5 Jun - 6pm Tue, 6 Jun

Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h and possibly more in thunderstorms.

Heavy Rain Watch

Area: Hawke's Bay north of Napier and Gisborne south of Tokomaru Bay

Period: 20hrs from 8pm Mon, 5 Jun - 4pm Tue, 6 Jun

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, mainly about the ranges. Note, an Orange Heavy Rain Warning is now in force for Gisborne from Tokomaru Bay northwards.

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane

Period: 22hrs from midnight Mon, 5 Jun - 10pm Tue, 6 Jun

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

Area: Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Taumarunui, Waitomo and south Waikato

Period: 16hrs from 8pm Mon, 5 Jun - noon Tue, 6 Jun

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

Area: Taranaki

Period: 17hrs from 8pm Mon, 5 Jun - 1pm Tue, 6 Jun

Forecast: South to southeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places, mainly north of the mountain.