There've been multiple evacuations in the Bay of Plenty town of Waihi Beach - after widespread flooding from sudden rains

Flooding's closed State Highway 25 from Waihi to Whiritoa - and parts of State Highway 29.

MetService has lifted its severe thunderstorm warning from the Bay of Plenty area, but multiple heavy rain warnings remain in surrounding areas.

In Waihi Beach there are reports of houses inundated and roads completely underwater.

In one incident, a group of tradies became trapped after a road they were working on was blocked by a torrent of water.