MetService have issued an orange rain warning for the Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki, and a rain watch for the rest of the area from tomorrow evening until Saturday morning.
NZTA are closing several roads across the district to prepare for the heavy rain forecast by MetService in the coming days.
After canceling todays 5pm and 7pm convoys, reduced convoys will run tomorrow ahead of rain forecasts.
Gisborne bound convoys will leave from Goldsmith Reserve at 7am and 11am.
Opotiki bound convoys will leave from Matawai (Te Wera Road intersection) at 9am and 1pm.
It urges those in the convoys to slow down, be patient, drive with care and to the conditions.
It recommends people to avoid travelling unless necessary, and those who are should be prepared for the road to close at short notice if weather conditions or risk assessments change.
The road will be closed over the weekend due to the orange heavy rain watch for the area.
State Highway 35 will be closed from Pōtaka to Taurangakoau Bridge to ensure crew and road users are safe during the weather NZTA said.
With these closures, convoys through the area will be cancelled over the weekend, beginning on Friday night and it is hoped these will resume on Monday.
A safety inspection will take place on Sunday to determine if these will go ahead.
It urges caution if travelling on any other parts of State Highway 35 this weekend.
It said people should travel with extreme care, follow all instructions and be mindful of workers on the road.
Street Sign Theft Common Throughout Eastern Bay
Bay of Plenty Upgraded to Heavy Rain Warning
Whakatāne Local Makes Surprising Discovery in Park
Heavy Rain Warning Issued For The Bay of Plenty East of Ōpōtiki
