Heavy rain that battered parts of New Zealand overnight continues to pour in the Bay of Plenty as the lower half of the North Island is warned of possible severe thunderstorms.
There is surface flooding across Bay of Plenty on Wednesday after a heavy rain front hit on Tuesday and continued to fall throughout the night. Bay of Plenty Civil Defence said council flood teams are watching river levels and while "things are looking ok", will provide an update if anything changes.
Just a little south, Rotorua Airport recorded its fifth wettest December day on record, with 69.6mm of rain between 9am on Tuesday and 9am on Wednesday. It's the most rainfall in a December day there since 2011.
Metservice currently has a Heavy Rain Warning issued for the Bay of Plenty from Whakatane eastwards until 3pm on Wednesday.
"Expect a further 60 to 90 mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges on top of what has already fallen, and lesser amounts near the coast," Metservice said at 11am. "Peak intensities of 15 to 25 mm/h in about the ranges."
From Tokomarua Bay northwards on the East Coast, locals are warned of heavy rain until 4pm.
Meanwhile, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch will be in place between 12:30pm and 8pm for Whanganui, Manawatu, Tararua, Kapiti-Horowhenua, Wairarapa and Wellington.
"This afternoon and early evening warm temperatures and moisture at low levels combined with cooling aloft are likely to bring unstable conditions and thunderstorms to the lower North Island.
"From Whanganui to Wellington and also Wairarapa including the Tararua District there is a risk of Severe thunderstorms bringing downpours with rainfall rates of 25 to 40 mm/h.
"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips."
Wellington's Emergency Management is making sure locals know, tweeting: "There is a risk of severe thunderstorms bringing downpours with rainfall rates of 25 to 40 mm/h to Wellington and Wairarapa this afternoon and early evening until 8 pm."
Metlink Wellington says all services on the Johnsonville Line have been suspended due to a slip between Awarua St and Simla Crescent.
"Bus replacements have been sourced and will run to timetable."
Metservice also has Heavy Rain Warnings out for Tasman, eastern Marlborough and the Canterbury Plains.
Police on Wednesday morning asked motorists to avoid or delay travel between Blenheim and Kaikōura as there were multiple slips on State Highway 1 cause blockages.
"There is also a risk of injury due to rockfall. If travel is essential, motorists are advised to take extra care and expect delays."
