State Highway 2 through the Waiōweka Gorge remains closed this morning as heavy rain continues to batter the eastern Bay of Plenty.

The NZ Transport Agency said rockfall occurred overnight, forcing the closure, which would remain in place until further notice while the route is assessed and cleared.

The closure comes as an orange heavy rain warning remains in force for the wider Bay of Plenty and Rotorua region until 3pm today.

NZTA said crews would carry out a full inspection of the gorge as soon as it is safe, with reopening dependent on conditions.

A tree is also reported to be blocking State Highway 30, just past Curtis Rd, heading to Rotorua.

A tree blocking SH30, near Rotorua. Photo / Supplied

Meanwhile, rainfall totals in the region have been steady.

According to the MetService website, Tauranga has recorded 31.4mm as of 7.30am, with a forecast total of around 39.4mm, while Rotorua has seen 32.9mm, with expectations of up to 53.4mm by the end of the day.

MetService warns a further 30 to 60mm could fall across affected areas, with peak intensities of up to 20mm/h possible in localised downpours. Thunderstorms are also possible through the morning and early afternoon.

The prolonged heavy rain is expected to increase the risk of rapidly rising rivers and streams, surface flooding, slips and hazardous driving conditions.

MetService meteorologist John Law said the northerly caused the hills on the Bay of Plenty’s southern edge to act like a funnel.

“The rain comes, feeds in, pushes through towards parts of Rotorua and those hills in the east as well.”

MetService’s website warns streams and rivers may rise rapidly, with surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.