UPDATE: The MetService reporting that a thunderstorm warning issued for the region hsa now been lifted.

Many people have reported strong winds around the region and people are being urged to drive with extreme care if they are out on the road.

"Multiple rivers" are being reported on SH29, near McLaren Falls Road.

A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says there is also a lot of debris on the road and people should slow right down if they have to travel on the highway.

Another SunLive reader says the weather is "really crazy" on SH29.

"A lot of people pulled over because of how bad the visibility was, could only see about 15-20 meters ahead. Very scary.

"Those of us who kept driving, were going like 30km/h with hazard lights on! Was very intense! "

Hail has also been captured on camera.

Photos sent to SunLive by Alice Campbell show the size of the hail that has falled near McLaren Falls.

The MetService says these severe thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast, and are expected to lie near Rotorua, Oropi, Okere Falls, Ngongotaha and Otanewainuk around 5.30pm, and near Rotorua, Kawerai, Matahina, Rotoehu, Rotoiti and Lake Tarawera around 6pm.

"These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain, large hail, damaging wind gusts, possible tornadoes and frequent lightning," says a statement from the weather organisation.

"Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.

"Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous.

"Very strong wind gusts can break branches from trees, damage roofing, and make driving hazardous especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

"Tornadoes can blow out windows, lift roofs, break large branches off trees, generate dangerous flying debris and blow vehicles off the road.

"Frequent lightning is dangerous to people and livestock, especially those exposed outdoors or on the water, and can cause power surges and damage to electrical equipment."

The National Emergency Management Agency advises that as storms approach you should:
- Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;
- Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;
- Get back to land, if outdoors on the water;
- Move cars under cover or away from trees;
- Secure any loose objects around your property;
- Check that drains and gutters are clear;
- Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.
During and after the storm, you should also:
- Beware of fallen trees and power lines;
- Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.