A severe thunderstorm watch issued for the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty remains in place this morning.

For the three hours from 8am to 11am, the MetService is forecasting the possibility of thunderstorms.

"A band of convective rain is affecting the Coromandel Peninsula and the far west of the Bay of Plenty this morning, mainly north of Katikati," says the weather organisation in its latest update.

"There is a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms embedded in the rain band, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. Expect heavy rain to ease towards midday.

"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.

"Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.

"Should severe weather approach or if you feel threatened, take shelter immediately."

Image: MetService.

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.