An orange heavy rain warning is now in place for areas west of Kawerau.

The warning is in force from 8am until 3pm on Thursday as a slow-moving front moves east across the region.

In its latest weather forecast, MetService warned of a further 60mm to 80mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, with peak rainfall rates of 10mm to 20mm an hour. Localised downpours exceeding 25mm an hour are also possible.

The forecaster said streams and rivers could rise rapidly, while surface flooding, slips and hazardous driving conditions were possible.

People are being advised to clear drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas and drive with caution.

The warning replaces an earlier heavy rain watch and comes as rain continues to affect parts of the Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne/Tairāwhiti.

According to MetService, rainfall is expected to ease later today, although another burst of heavy rain is possible from late Thursday afternoon into early Friday morning.

A separate Orange Heavy Rain Warning has also been issued for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Tolaga Bay from 10pm Thursday until 8pm Friday, where 90mm to 120mm of rain is forecast.

MetService said there was only a minimal chance either warning would be upgraded to a Red Warning, but people should stay up to date with the latest forecasts as conditions develop.

Heavy Rain Watch

A new Heavy Rain Watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty area west of Kawerau. It is valid for 8 hours between 7am and 3pm today, Thursday the 13th of August.

Periods of heavy rain are expected, with localised downpours possible. There is a moderate… pic.twitter.com/GUXdJ9Vf3m

— MetService NZ (@MetService) August 12, 2026