A severe weather watch is in place for eastern parts of the North Island, with heavy rain on the way.
MetService issued the warning just before 6am today.
Prolonged heavy rain is expected to hit Coromandel Peninsula, western Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay north of Napier, today.
MetService said residents in these areas should keep up to date with forecasts in case the watch was upgraded to a warning.
