Another 100mm to 200mm of rain is expected to fall in the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel areas as a severe weather warning remains in place.

A large complex trough lies slow moving to the west of New Zealand and is directing a moist northeast flow over northern and central parts of the country.

People are being asked to drive slowly in areas where they may be surface flooding to avoid sending bow waves into neighbouring properties.

'A prolonged period of rain is expected about much of the North Island and northern and northeastern parts of the South Island over the next few days,” says the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.

'The heaviest falls are expected about Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, western Bay of Plenty, Marlborough and areas of the Canterbury High Country and foothills from tonight (Monday), until Wednesday.”

People are advised these rainfalls can cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly, surface flooding, slips and make driving conditions hazardous.

'Additionally, a low embedded in the trough is expected to move south over Northland Tuesday afternoon or evening.

'This low besides bringing another burst of heavy rain to the upper North Island, is expected to bring a period of strong east to northeast gales with gusts of 120 km/h to parts of Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula.”

Winds of this strength have the potential to bring down trees, damage powerlines and unsecured structures.

Tauranga City Council says people should check their drains on or near their property to make sure they are clear of leaves and debris.

'Simple blockages can cause flooding,” says a council spokesperson.

'If you come across surface flooding or ponding on the road, please drive slowly so that your vehicle doesn't send a bow wave into neighbouring properties.”

If people need to report flooding, they can phone Tauranga City Council at any time on 577 7000.

People are advised to dial 111 in an emergency.