The Wairoa River bar after heavy rain at midday on Thursday. Photo: Supplied
Hawke's Bay emergency managment is on alert as a forecast downpour hits the region.
MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for the Wairoa district from 9am on Thursday until midnight, with 70 to 110 millimetres of rain expected to fall.
It is forecasting peak rates of 10 to 20 millimetres an hour, and warns of rapidly rising waterways and flooding on the roads.
MetService on Thursday afternoon lifted its heavy rain warning for the Wairoa district which was originally in place until midnight.
It said the main risk for the district has now gone as the band of rain heads towards the east cape.
Gisborne and Tairawhiti remain under a heavy rain watch until midnight Thursday.
Wairoa's mayor Craig Little said on Thursday afternoon the rain was starting to ease and the river mouth has remained open despite earlier downpours.
Power cuts were affecting Raupunga, Kotemaori, Willow Flat, Otoi, Piripaua and Ardkeen about 11am and Gisborne lines company Firstlight was working to restore supply.
The region's civil defence says its keeping an eye on the situation and asks residents to follow Wairoa District Council's facebook page for local updates.
MetSevice has also issued a heavy rain watch for Gisborne/Tairawhiti until midnight tonight, with a chance of upgrading to warning level.
A heavy rain warning has been issued for Wairoa on 20 March. Photo: Supplied
In an update at 10am, it said heavy rain was was being funnelled into the Wairoa District and Gisborne/Tairawhiti by a low pressure to the northeast.
Earlier on Thursday, Wairoa mayor Craig Little said drains were starting to fill up but by midday there had been no reports of flooding and rivers were holding up well.
He said the rain kicked off at about 10am causing a sudden drop in temperature.
"I was quite amazed really, the rivers weren't too bad on the way in, I follow the Waikaretāheke River into town and it was pretty good really."
Little said it was likely nothing would come of it, but noted they'd thought the same with Cyclone Gabrielle.
Council emergency management controller Juanita Savage said the main message was to be mindful when travelling on the roads.
She said the most likely impact would be flooding and slips and, if possible, people should delay or avoid travelling.
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