MetService has issued a severe weather warning with heavy rain expected for parts of the eastern North Island and the upper South Island today.

A front preceded by a moist northerly flow is expected to move slowly east across the upper South Island and the eastern North Island, says a MetService spokesperson.

The heaviest rain is likely to affect the east of the Bay of Plenty, north of Gisborne and western Tasman.

Watches for heavy rain are in force, and Rain Warnings have been issued for eastern Bay of Plenty, the Tasman District and the north of Gisborne. 

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

Warnings no longer in Force:

A Heavy Rain Warning has been lifted for Bay of Plenty about and west of Whakatane