Napier and Hastings are in a State of Emergency.
Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise says the most important thing is to keep the community safe.
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says it's also critical that residents listen to police and Civil Defence messaging.
The most affected area is the Esk Valley with flooding affecting properties.
Residents in Rissington, northwest of Napier, have been evacuated.
There are power cuts across the district - and people are asked to limit their water use.
RNZ reporter Krystal Gibbens spoke to Corin Dann, and Hawke's Bay group controller Civil Defence Ian Maxwell spoke to Kim Hill.
