Photo: Unsplash / Daoudi Aissa
Thunderstorms are expected in parts of the North Island into the evening, while multiple slips are causing delays at spots along the highways in Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti due to last night's heavy rain.
A severe thunderstorm watch in Taumarunui, Taranaki, Taihape, Whanganui and Manawatu has now been lifted, according to MetService.
There is also a moderate risk of isolated afternoon thunderstorms about Northland and northern/eastern parts of Auckland that may bring localised heavy rain of 10-25mm/hr and hail.
There is also a low risk of a small tornado or funnel cloud about eastern Northland, MetService said.
Waka Kotahi said its crews were working to clear slips all the way between Central Hawke's Bay and the East Cape.
Damage on the roads in Central Hawke's Bay had left some people isolated and not able to leave home.
The district has already had its wettest winter in recent memory and some coastal areas got nearly 100 millimetres of rain last night.
Hawke's Bay Regional Council said the problems caused by flooding were increasing by the hour.
The council is having to discharge wastewater into the river to stop it from overflowing and it fears a boil water notice for the town of Waipukurau could be on its way.
Between Napier and Wairoa, there are slips at Devil's Elbow, Tangoio and the Mohaka Viaduct.
There are also several slips on the Napier-Taupō Road.
Further north in Gisborne, there are slips at four places - Okitu Hill, Hicks Bay, Makorori and the Loisel Gorge.
Waka Kotahi is advising drivers to take care and expect delays when travelling on state highways in the area.