MetService is issuing a severe thunderstorm warning for Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

"These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast, and are expected to lie near Tauranga, Te Puke and Papamoa at 05.30 pm and near Paengaroa at 6pm," says a MetService spokesperson.

"These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain, damaging wind gusts and hail.

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

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

"Hail can cause damage to crops, orchards and vines and may make driving conditions hazardous.

"A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in force for Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō and Taranaki.

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