Civil Defence has stood up centres at Marae in Bland Bay, Puna-ruku, Oteto and Mokau in Northland after heavy rain and flooding

There are no warnings in the place for the region but residents reported bucketing rain from between 3 and 6AM.

It's blocked or closed at least 12 roads, knocked out power to more than 700 households and forced the suspension of the Russell to Paihia ferry service.

Civil Defence says it's heard of at least three homes being evacuated because of slips.

Whangarei Mayor Ken Couper, says it's been a bit of a shock for residents to wake up to.

He says the heavy rain seemed to come with very little warning.