The Bay of Plenty is currently under a severe thunderstorm watch.

A moist northwesterly flow is expected to bring frequent showers today, says the MetService is its latest weather update.

"Thunderstorms are likely and there is a risk of severe thunderstorms bringing localised downpours, 25 to 40mm per hour late morning and during the afternoon.

"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."

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible severe thunderstorm warnings.

For information on preparing for and keeping safe during a storm, see the Civil Defence Get Ready website.

Image: MetService.

Area: Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay
Valid: 11 hours from 1pm Tue 26 Dec to 12am Wed 27 Dec

A moist northwesterly flow is expected to bring frequent showers and possible thunderstorms to parts of the North Island today. For the eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay north of Napier there is a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms bringing localised downpours with 25 to 40mm per hour this afternoon and evening.
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.