More rain is forecast for the Gisborne region this morning after widespread flooding in the area yesterday - but conditions should ease by tonight.
Twenty people had to be evacuated yesterday including a family that was rescued from the roof of their home after it was inundated.
Tarawhiti Civil Defence says although conditions eased overnight, a weather watch remains in place. (Source: Other)
Others were trapped as logging debris clogged the roads and made bridges impassable.
Tairawhiti Civil Defence says although conditions have eased overnight, a weather watch remains in place today.
MetService forecasts more rain this morning, some of it heavy, but the worst of it should be gone by this evening.
A heavy rain watch remains in force for the region until 5pm.
Some thunderstorms are also possible in the area this morning.
Gisborne District Council rainfall monitoring stations have recorded more than 250mm of rain in some places within the last day.
The Hikuwai River rose by about 11m yesterday, water level gauges show, peaking about 12m - it usually flows about 1m.
Check the forecast in your region on the 1 NEWS NOW weather page
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