Several roads are closed in Whangārei after heavy rain caused flooding, however, the region is in for a reprieve.
MetService meterologist Braydon White said the forecaster has lifted its rain warning for the region and that yesterday's heavy downpours have eased.
He said up to 120 millimetres of rain fell in an hour in some parts, while there was up to 90mm in an hour in Kerikeri.
The closed roads include Russell Road, Ngunguru Road North, Otonga-marua Road, Marua Road, and Kaiikanui Road.
Several other roads were down to a single lane because of surface flooding.
In an update on Sunday, the Whangarei District Council said the effects of the heavy rain have been only minor.
A Civil Defence spokesperson said there was flooding and small slips in some places.
The council said all roads that were closed due to the downpour will be open today.
Fire and Emergency said a slip occurred at a house on Queen Street in Russell last night.
Crews were attending another incident when they became aware of the slip.
A spokesperson said the people in the house chose to stay there overnight.
Wind watches in place
MetService said the heavy rain for northern New Zealand will move away to the east early today.
It is warning people in Hawke's Bay, Tararua and parts of the South Island to brace for heavy winds.
It's issued an orange strong wind warning for Hawke's Bay south of Hastings, and the Tararua District from 7pm on Sunday until tomorrow evening.
It said severe gale westerlies could gust up to 120km/h in exposed places.
It's also issued a strong wind watch for Tasman and southern areas of Southland, Clutha and Dunedin.
Snow warning
The lower South Island is bracing for more heavy snow, with MetService issuing a warning for Otago.
A road snowfall warning is in place for Milford Road, Lindis Pass, Crown Range Road, and Arthur's Pass.
Up to 12 centimetres of snow is forecast to settle between 500 and 900 metres.
In Southland, State Highway 94 will close from 4.30pm on Sunday due to the risk of an avalanche.
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