Hawke's Bay and Tairawhiti residents are being warned to prepare for heavy rain heading into the weekend

Orange rain warnings are in place, with up to 180mm of rainfall expected in Hawke's Bay, while Gisborne could see up to 160mm.

Metservice Meteorologist John Law says it will be especially wet today , and there could be enough rain to for slips and surface flooding to occur.

Gisborne District Council's asking residents to watch their land for movement, and clear their drains and downpipes.

Strong wind warnings are also in place for the Marlborough Coast and Wellington.