Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management and Gisborne District Council's flood warning teams are in for a long night monitoring river levels and rainfall in the district overnight

Heavy rain late in the afternoon saw the Hikuwai River north of Tolaga Bay rise abruptly again to 6.4 metres, about four metres above its average flow.

Emergency manager Louise Bennett says there's a weather watch in place for the district until 1 tomorrow afternoon.

Met Service says the heaviest rain - with thunderstorms possible - will be between 6 in the morning and noon. am and midday tomorrow, Tuesday. Periods of heavy rain are expected with possible thunderstorms.

We've also been told the family rescued from the roof of their home in the Mangatokerau Valley this morning is tonight safe and comfortable with whanau at Tolaga Bay.

The Paroa and Mangatokerau roads in Tolaga Bay will be closed until at least 5pm Wednesday.

Other roads closed are Pa Road, Waiomoko, Arakihi, Kiore, Anaura Bay, Kaiaua, Waihau Bay, Glenroy and Tauwhareparae.

About 30 properties are tonight without electricity and phones in the area west of Tolaga Bay.

Tairawhiti Roads journey manager Helen Harris says eight bridges in the area are of particular concern, but all truckies and forestry companies have been notified.