Bay of Plenty under thunderstorm watch

The MetService is forecasting thunderstorms from this morning through to the evening. File photo.

The Bay of Plenty is now on thunderstorm watch, in addition to the heavy rain warning issued by the MetService.

'Thunderstorms are likely to affect the area this morning, afternoon and into the evening,” says a statement from the weather organisation.

'Severe thunderstorms are possible with downpours bringing rainfall intensities of 25 to 40mm per hour.

'Rainfall of this intensity 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.”

SunLive has already had reports of surface flooding on Takitimu Drive, between Waihi Road and Elizabeth Street, on both sides of the highway.

There are also flooding reports near the Bayfair Shopping Centre.

A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says there is some flooding near the SH2/Girven Road intersection.

People are being advised to drive with care in the area.

A thunderstorm watch has been issued for the following regions:

Auckland

Coromandel Peninsula

Waikato

Waitomo

Taumarunui

Bay of Plenty

Rotorua

Taupo

Hawke's Bay

Taranaki

Taihape

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