Bay of Plenty Civil Defence officials waiting for heavy rainfall, breathed a sigh of relief today.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail had been forecast for the already soaked region, however, Civil Defence operations manager Alan Pearce says fortunately the rain has not fallen with as much intensity as first thought. He has not heard of any surface flooding or slips in the area.

Mr Pearce says the weather is expected to improve throughout the day.

The attention is now shifting to the lower South Island, where snow is expected in many regions over the weekend.

Snow is also likely on the Desert Road in the central North Island on Sunday through to Monday.
 

– WeatherWatch.co.nz, with NewstalkZB

Are you in the Bay of Plenty – what are conditions like overheard and underfoot where you are?  Post a comment below!