Flooding on SH2 - extreme care needed

Heavy rain has caused flooding on State Highway 2 between Waihi and Paeroa.

Police have said extreme care is needed when driving through the Karangahake Gorge. The road remained open.

Metservice has issued a Severe Weather Watch for heavy rain the Eastern Bay ranges.

Tauranga's forecast today is for rain, possibly heavy or thundery, easing towards the evening.