The MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua, eastern Waikato and Kaimai Range.

According to the weather organisation, there is a moderate risk that thunderstorms could become severe and produce localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h in Bay of Plenty and Rotorua during the
afternoon.

The same sort of weather is expected in eastern Waikato, the Kaimai ranges and Coromandel Peninsula during the evening.

Image: MetService.

"They may produce hail, and there is also a risk of a small localised tornado," says a statement from the MetService.

"Downpours can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

"Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain."