UPDATE 5.21pm: MetService is issuing another thunderstorm warning - after their weather radar detected a line of severe thunderstorms lying from Tauranga to Okere Falls to Rerewakaaitu.

"This line of severe thunderstorms is moving towards the eastsoutheast, and is expected to lie from Papamoa to Rotoiti to Murupara at 05.37 pm and from Papamoa to Rotoehu to Galatea at 06.07 pm.

"These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.

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

"A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in force for Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua."

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EARLIER 2.57pm: Metservice is issuing a severe thunderstorm warning for the Western Bay of Plenty, after a line of severe thunderstorms was detected lying from Waihi to the Kaimai Range and Tokoroa.

The line of severe thunerstorms is moving towards the east, and is expected to lie from Waihi Beach to the Kaimai Range to the hills and ranges east of Tokoroa at 3.07pm.

The thunderstorms will then reach Waihi Beach and Te Puna to Waireka at 3.37pm.

"These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain.

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

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.