Residents due to be hit by heavy rain and severe gales are being warned to act now

MetService has issued a red heavy rain warning for Manawatu, Rangitikei and Ruapehu districts, north of Feilding and east of State Highway One.

There's a host of orange wind and rain warnings in place for the eastern North Island and upper South Island.

Tararua, Otorohanga and Waipa have declared states of emergency.

Manawatu-Whanganui Emergency Management Group spokesperson Jono Galuszka , says those who live in an area known to flood - should leave now.

He says they should evacuate pre-emptively so they don't end up getting into a dangerous situation in the middle of the night.

Meanwhile, state Highway Two will be closing overnight between Wairoa and Gisborne from 8pm.