Three heavy rain warnings in the Bay of Plenty have been extended until early tomorrow morning.

A heavy rain warning is in place for Bay of Plenty and west of Opotiki until 2am.

"Expect 30 to 60 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, especially inland," MetService said.

"Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h, but 25 to 40 mm/h possible in thunderstorms and localised downpours. Rain easing from the west overnight."

A heavy rain warning for Bay of Plenty east of Opotiki will last until 9am.

"Expect 70 to 100 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, but 120 to 150 mm in localised areas about the ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h, but 25 to 40 mm/h possible in thunderstorms and localised downpours."

A heavy rain warning has been forecast for 13 hours until 9am.

"Expect 90 to 140 mm of rain about the ranges, with less about the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h, but 25 to 40 mm/h possible in thunderstorms and localised downpours."

– Reporting by David Williams

MetService forecaster Oscar Shivipi told the Herald the front that moved in from the west is now sitting over the central North Island.

"Places like Rotorua, Taupo and down to the Manawatū and the Wellington area," he said.

"Some of those central and eastern areas are still expected to receive some rain this evening with the eastern half expecting the rain to clear off early in the morning."

Shivipi said the rain had begun to ease across Auckland and the western parts of the country.

"I think by midnight, the rain will have completely cleared off. For Taranaki, the rain has completely come and gone."

– Reporting by David Williams

SH3 between Mokau and Mahoenui will remain closed overnight.

SH4 Whanganui to Raetihi is closed due to slips.

– Reporting by David Williams

Flooding and slips have caused additional road closures in Taranaki.

State Highway 3 Awakino to Mahoenui between Iredale Quay and Papakauri Rd has been closed due to slips.

A fallen tree and slips have closed SH3 Tongaporutu between Hills Rd and Pilot Rd.

Slips have closed SH3 Whanganui and Raetihi.SH45 Okato between Kaihihi Rd to Mid Puniho Rd has been closed due to flooding.

– Reporting by David Williams

 State Highway 3 in Kaitoke outside of Whanganui has reopened following a crash.

NZTA Waka Kotahi confirmed the crash occurred between Nepia Rd and Pauri Rd.

"Delay your journey or consider an alternative route."

– Reporting by David Williams

Eight people on a bus that became stuck in floodwaters on State Highway 3 in Taranaki have been rescued.

Earlier, a Fire and Emergency spokesperson confirmed two vehicles and a bus had become trapped.

Two crews remained at the scene shortly after 6.45pm.

There were no reports of any injuries.

– Reporting by David Williams

The South Taranaki District Council said the heavy rainfall we're experiencing today has led to surface flooding and major slips in various locations in the District.

Here's what we know:

- The entire Tanghoe Valley Road is closed due to a slip. Our roading contractors are aware and will be visiting the site tomorrow morning (Friday 4 July).

- A section of State Highway 45 between Puniho Road and Kaihihi Road is closed due to flooding at Stony River.

- Maben Road is closed due to a large slip. The closure is located 8-9km up the road.

- Morea Road is closed.

- Castle Street Eltham Bridge is not closed yet, but may be closing soon.

Here's what you need to do:

- Stay indoors and don't travel if you don't need to.

- Avoid driving through surface flooding at all times.

- If you must travel, drive to the conditions and plan ahead for your journey. Check for any road closures (STDC website for local roads and NZTA for State Highways).

- Keep an eye on the STDC Facebook page or website for any updates.

NZTA Waka Kotahi has announced SH3 from Awakino to Mahoenui and SH45 between Kaihihi Rd and Puniho Rd are closed.

All other state highways remain open.

Earlier, it was announced that State Highway 45 at Ōkato will remain closed tonight due to flooding in the area.

– Reporting by David Williams

Fire crews are working to rescue multiple vehicles - including a bus - stuck in floodwater on State Highway 3 in Stratford, Taranaki.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson confirmed two vehicles and a bus had become stuck while driving through floodwaters. It was not clear how many passengers were inside the bus.

"We're just working out a safety plan at the moment," they said.

Two Fire and Emergency crews remained in attendance shortly after 6.45pm. It is understood that no ambulance crews have been required.

– Reporting by Lynley Ward, Benjamin Plummer