Rotorua has had 16.8mm of rain in the past 24 hours - and the rain is expected to continue with little reprieve for the 24 hours.
Metservice meterologist Lisa Murray said there had been 16.8mm of rain in Rotorua over the past 24 hours.
"Bands of rain will continue with little reprieve [from this afternoon] until late Thursday evening."
She said residents needed to be careful as rivers and streams could rise quickly, and people should be prepared for power outages and expect road closures.
"Keep up to date with NZ Transport Agency in regards to road closures and local civil defence and Metservice for the latest weather updates and warnings."
A wind warning is out for Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty, with winds of up to 150km/h possible in some areas.
The rain is set to ease to scattered showers on Friday with a few showers expected over the weekend.
If the bad weather arrives today, Rotorua Lakes Council has strongly advise that people stay out of the forest.
Public access will be reassessed by the Rotorua Lakes Council later in the week.
All Rotorua sportsfields are closed today due to anticipated heavy rain and possible high winds.
New Zealand Transport Agency highways manager Niclas Johansson said road users should plan ahead, check weather and road conditions before they travel.
"Simple guidelines for travelling in wet weather include ensuring your vehicle is safe, always driving to the road and weather conditions, allowing more time for your travel, slowing down, being prepared for unexpected hazards and allowing greater following distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
"The room for mistakes is reduced when road and weather conditions are less favourable, and we don't want anyone's mistake to end in an avoidable tragedy.
"Most important though is to plan your journey, check weather and road conditions, choose the safest route if you have the option and if possible avoid travelling in extreme weather and road conditions.
All local roads are now open to at lease one lane.
Crews will spend the day focusing on removing debris from the remaining slips around the district and clearing roads to their full width.
The rain is forecasted to be at its heaviest this afternoon from 2 - 5pm and council staff and contractors are inspecting flood prone areas and clearing drains as required.
Earlier
Small slips have been reported on State Highway 30 near Rotoma, as the region braces for more wet weather.
A police spokesman said the slips were not blocking traffic at this stage, but has urged motorists to take caution.
A spokeswoman for the NZTA said parts of SH30 were hazardous due to slips.
"One lane is closed due to a large slip last week, and is expected to be closed for some time," she said.
"Allow an extra 10-15 minutes for your journey and drive with care."
According to the Rotorua Lakes Council website all local roads are now open.
Crews will spend the day focusing on removing debris from the remaining slips around the district and clearing roads to their full width.
Click here for State Highway closures
The rain is forecasted to be at its heaviest this afternoon from 2 - 5pm and council staff and contractors are inspecting flood prone areas and clearing drains as required.
A state of emergency has been declared for the Bay of Plenty as the region braces for the arrival of Cyclone Cook - just days after the tail end of Cyclone Debbie caused widespread damage and destruction.
A severe weather warning is in place with heavy rain expected from about midday today to midday Friday.
She said 200 to 250mm was forecast to potentially accumulate over the 48 hours.
More to come.
The North Island is expected to get off to a wet start this morning, with lingering rain.
