With a heavy rain warning in place for Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau until 3pm today and a heavy rain watch in place east of Kawerau from 2pm today until 9am tomorrow (Friday 14 August), NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging motorists to drive to the conditions.

Drivers should be ready for weather related hazards – localised flooding, slips, rockfalls, and slippery roads.

Drivers should increase their following distance, reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and use headlights if visibility is poor.

NZTA has contractors monitoring and ready to respond to any transport network impacts.

A heavy rain watch is also in place from 2pm today, with a rain warning from 10pm tonight until 8pm tomorrow (Friday 14 August) in Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Tolaga Bay.

People are encouraged to check road and weather conditions before they travel. Roads may close at short notice if necessary.