UPDATED 1.04PM: The rain is not easing up in a flooded Bay of Plenty town.

Up to ten properties in Kawerau have been inundated by heavy rain and around half a dozen cars have been abandoned because of water that was up to a metre deep.

Two fire crews are helping people pump out their houses and council staff are working flat out to unblock drains.

Mayor Malcolm Campbell says it's a significant event for the town.

"It's caught us a bit unawares," he said. "Although we've had some significant surface flooding in the past, this is just going on and on and on. It's not stopping."

Campbell says people should drive slowly so the wake doesn't enter people's homes, and they should be also be careful while walking their dogs because creeks are running high.