A wet and windy start is being predicted for the Repco Beach Hop.

People will be hitting the road and making with way up to the Coromandel this afternoon, ready for the first day of the annual event tomorrow.

But a severe thunderstorm watch, along with a strong wind watch for the region, may but a dampener on some people's plans.

Heavy rain is also forecast for later this afternoon and overnight, says statement from Thames Coromandel District Council.

'MetService is forecasting severe gale force winds (100km/hr +) and squally downpours through until Saturday afternoon.

'Keep a close eye on MetService for weather updates, watch our Council's Facebook page for any news on our local roads and WakaKotahi/NZTA for state highways information.”

Thunderstorms are being forecast for this afternoon. Image: MetService.

Established in 2000, Beach Hop has brought hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders together for an annual rock and roll festival.

This event is held in the beautiful seaside resort of Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Beach Hop is described as New Zealand's number 1 nostalgia festival that celebrates the best of the 50's & 60's.

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