Hastings' Mayor says residents should stay put tonight - as tonight's 9pm high tide looms

States of emergencies continue in Wairoa District and Hasting's Heretaunga Ward, after torrential rain closed roads and caused hundreds of evacuations since last night

Heavy rain warnings have lifted for Tairawhiti, but continue until 11pm in Hawke's Bay.

State Highway 2 has reopened between Napier and Wairoa.

Sandra Hazlehurst says 140 families have been asked to leave their home.

She says it's inconvenient to keep staying with friends and family another night but they're concerned about the high tide.