Farmers in the eastern North Island are on high alert as heavy rain continues to pound the region.

Since midnight Sunday parts of the Gisborne region have had more than 200mm of rain, and heavy falls are forecast to continue into Thursday.

Gisborne Civil Defence controller Jon Davies says despite the massive downpour, local farmers are holding up well.

“Some people were starting to get a bit worried, but it’s a two day event, some of the surface water is beginning to drain away.

"It might take a little bit longer than expected, but most farmers know it’s an annual event, they’d be fairly well prepared.”

WEATHER FORECAST:

Heavy rain has eased over most of the Gisborne area.  However, in the hill country south of Gisborne city a further 30-50mm of rain is expected today.  The rainfall warning for all areas from Gisborne city north is now lifted.

ROAD CLOSURES:

State highway 2 south - closed at Whirinaki due to extensive slips, flooding and continued treacherous weather
Wharekopae Road is open but caution required due to numerous slips, dropouts and surface flooding.
south - closed at Whirinaki due to extensive slips, flooding and continued treacherous weather
Wharekopae Road is open but caution required due to numerous slips, dropouts and surface flooding.