Flooding across western Bay of Plenty is causing concern for motorists.

There are reports from SunLive readers of flooding across State Highway 2 at Pikowai, and on roads around Maketu and Paengaroa.

There are also reports of the Ohinemuri River rising on Sunday morning in the Karangahake Gorge alongside State Highway 2 between Waihi and Paeroa and Waka Kotahi NZTA have closed one lane through the gorge..

There is flooding across Tutea Place in Paengaroa following a downpour of rain on Sunday morning. The water rose onto some properties and into driveways.

Tutea Place resident Leanne Tibble says the water has started to recede.

" Gone down a little bit, raining again," says Leanne at 2pm.

"There's been quite a big downpour in Maketu resulting in surface flooding," says a Western Bay of Plenty District Council spokesperson.

"Please try stay off the roads but if you're already driving - be extra extra extra careful."

Traffic management will be in place for some roads around Paengaroa and Maketu.

A power outage due to a lightning strike is affecting hundreds of properties in Paengaroa while one house has been struck by lightning.

Pikowai

On SH2 at Pikowai, motorists are finding a lot of flooding across the highway. The flooding is on the Te Puke side of Matata, known as the 'Matata Straights'.

State Highway 2 at Pikowai. Photo: Pam Gill.

State Highway 2 flooding at Pikowai. Photo: Pam Gill.

Karangahake Gorge

Waka Kotahi NZTA advise that due to flooding in the Karangahake Gorge, one lane is closed.

There is Stop/go traffic management in place on SH2 between Paeroa and Waihi.

Motorist are advised to expect delays.

Do you have photographs of flooding in your area? Please send them through to newsroom@thesun.co.nz