A heavy rain watch is in place for the region, set to come into force this afternoon.

MetService said the watch was in place for Bay of Plenty, west of Whakatāne, and Coromandel and included possible thunderstorms.

The watch is in place from 4pm today until 12pm Tuesday.

It comes as the region attempts to dry out from an extended period of rain which has caused surface flooding, downed trees and slips.

State Highway 30 has reopened between SH33 Tikitere and Matahi Rd at Lake Rotoma under stop/go traffic management.

SH30 between Matahi Rd and SH34 Kawerau remains closed to westbound traffic.