A yellow heavy rain watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne from 9am Thursday until 3am Saturday.
MetService said a subtropical system north of New Zealand is set to bring wet, windy weather to the country later this week.
It said there is a high chance of upgrading to a warning.
“Periods of heavy rain and amounts likely to exceed warning criteria. High chance of upgrading to a Warning.”
MetService is advising the community to clear drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas, and drive cautiously.
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