The Bay of Plenty, which was hit by flooding just three weeks ago, got another dousing overnight with more likely on the way, MetService says.
The town of Edgecumbe was almost totally flooded out after heavy rain earlier this month. Photo: RNZ / YouTube
A heavy rain warning that had been issued for the region has now been cancelled, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence said.
Earlier this month the Rangitāiki River burst its banks at Edgecumbe in the region, causing widespread flooding and sparking mass evacuations.
Metservice said between 40 and 60mm of rain has fallen in Edgecumbe since 9pm and another 20 to 30mm could fall today.
Its duty forecaster, Allister Gorman, said water was still flowing off the ranges, even if the rain on the coast had eased.
He said people should be aware of rising streams and rivers and the downpours would cause issues for residents still trying to clean up.
The heavy rain should ease to showers by this afternoon, he said.
Whakatāne District Mayor Tony Bonne said he was not concerned and stormwater drains were coping with the rain.
People pitching in as the cleanup in Edgecumbe continues. Photo: RNZ Tom Furley
MetService said a trough would also bring rain to much of the North Island overnight and this morning and after that colder southerlies were expected on the east coast of the central North Island and the South Island.
The cold winds could become severe in Canterbury, Marlborough and Wellington and Wairarapa from this afternoon.
Mr Gorman said it would be the first taste of winter with the cold air mass possibly bringing snow.
MetService said small amounts of snow - about 1cm - could accumulate on the Lewis Pass above 800m, and on the Lindis Pass tonight and into tomorrow.