Heavy Rain Warnings Issued for Bay of Plenty

MetService have issued an orange heavy rain warning and a heavy rain watch across the Bay of Plenty for tomorrow afternoon and early Saturday morning.

MetService have issued yet another heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty. 

The Bay east of Whakatāne has been issued an orange heavy rain warning from 5pm Firday until 5am Saturday. 

70 to 90 mm of rain is forecast with peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h about the ranges.

MetService said thunderstorms, rising rivers and slips are possible through out the warning. 

It said residents should clear drains and gutters to prepare for the rain, as well as avoiding low-lying areas and driving cautiously during the warning.

There is a minimal chance of upgrading to a red warning. 

A heavy rain watch has also been issued for the Bay west of Whakatāne from 2pm until 11pm on Friday. 

MetService said periods of heavy rain with possible evening thunderstorms could be expected. 

It said there is a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Eastern Region Senior Maritime Officer Daniel Bramley said moorings have been checked an debris from previous weather cleared this morning. 

The warnings come just two days after an orange heavy rain warning west of Whakatāne, which saw the Waioweka Gorge close. 

With the new warnings and watches, he advises all boaties to check and prepare their vessels. 

"The BoPRC Flood and Harbourmaster Team are monitoring the situation and will send updates as required."