Heavy rain and high tides are set to tear through the East Coast, and locals have been warned to take cover.

States of local emergency continue for the Wairoa District and the Hastings Heretaunga Ward, after torrential rain has closed roads across Hawke's Bay and Tairawhiti.

Wairoa looks to have fared the worst, with 100 homes flooded and 130 people evacuated, and warnings of heavy weather will still apply until 11pm.

Wairoa mayor Craig Little says locals need to stay vigilant. 

"Our high tide comes back at 9pm tonight, and then if the rain doesn't stop and it all comes together - we could have the same effect of what happened this morning."

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

"I know there's an inconvenience of being with friends and family for another night, but we are concerned about high tides."

State Highway 2 has reopened between Napier and Wairoa.

LISTEN ABOVE