MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for inland Bay of Plenty this afternoon.
From 3pm this afternoon, Kawerau, Te Teko, Tāneatua and part of Edgecumbe will be under a severe thunderstorm watch.
MetService said a showery unstable air mass is expected across the North Island with moderate risk of severe thunderstorms.
Localised downpours are expected to bring rainfall intensities of 25 to 40 mm/h.
It warned rainfall of this intensity can cause surface or flash flooding in low lying areas or close to streams.
MetService said driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
The warning is forecast to lift at 11pm tonight.
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