The rain warning for Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau has been downgraded to orange, but the region is not out of the woods yet.

"A heavy rainfall watch is now in place of the warning for the possibility of further heavy rain on Thursday," says a MetService spokesperson.

"There is also now a heavy rainfall watch in place for the Hunua Ranges and Coromandel Peninsula.

"In all these areas, the amount of rain would not normally be enough to justify a watch, but the impact of this rain could be greater due to the recent flooding.​​​​​​

"Orange heavy rain warnings remain in place for Bay of Plenty about and east of Kawerau, northern Gisborne and Westland.

"Heavy rain watches remain in place for Western Tasman and northern Fiordland.

"People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made, or further areas are added."

Areas currently under a heavy rain watch:

Area: The Hunua Ranges and Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 18 hours from 12:00pm Thu 2 Feb to 6:00am Fri 3 Feb
Forecast: Periods of heavy showers or rain are possible. Total rainfall accumulations (around 30 to 50 mm) through the period would not normally be sufficient to issue a Watch, but due to the recent heavy rains these lesser amounts may still cause issues for the region.

Area: Bay of Plenty west of about Kawerau, including Rotorua Lakes District, Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City
Valid: 24 hours from 8:00am Thu 2 Feb to 8:00am Fri 3 Feb
Forecast: The RED Warning for this area is now lifted. However, further rain from Thursday morning to Friday morning may be heavy at times. Although amounts are unlikely to reach warning accumulations this Watch is for the possibility that lesser amounts of rain may still cause issues due to the recent heavy rain.

Area: Tasman west of Motueka
Valid: 10 hours from 8:00pm Wed 1 Feb to 6:00am Thu 2 Feb
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Note, watch period extended as another burst of heavier rain is expected overnight.

Area: Fiordland north of George Sound
Valid: 26 hours from 9:00am Thu 2 Feb to 11:00am Fri 3 Feb
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

For the latest Tauranga forecast, visit the MetService website.