UPDATED 9.43AM: Heavy rain in the Bay of Plenty is expected to ease from the west today as a front over the region moves east.

A severe weather warning remains in place for the chance of heavy rain but the MetService is forecasting the weather system to clear the North Island this evening.

The warning remains in place for the Bay of Plenty, east of Te Puke, where a further 60-90mm of rain is expected about the ranges through to 6pm. This is on top of what has already fallen in the region.

"Rain in the Western Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel Peninsula has now eased, but showers are still likely this afternoon when some may be haeavy with isolated thunderstorms," says the MetService.

Earlier:

A severe weather warning for heavy rain remains in place for the Bay of Plenty today as a complex trough of low pressure over the Tasman Sea moves its way east across the country.

According to the Te Puke Weather Station, 18mm of rain has fallen in the last 12 hours with a maximum rain rate of about 14.4mm/h.

Humidity is currently sitting at 95 per cent with the temperature around 13.4 degrees.

The MetService expects more rain for the Bay of Plenty today with predictions of around 100 to 140mm of rain expected to fall about the ranges from midnight last night until 6pm tonight.

Peak intensities of 10 to 20mm/h are likely for a time about higher areas.

The MetService says people can expect further shows tonight and tomorrow morning with heavy and thundery falls likely.

There are currently no reports of any road closures but people are advised to drive carefully as there may be surface flooding on the roads.

If you have any flooding pictures or photos of the rain from the last 24 hours, then send them in to [email protected]