Thunderstorms are expected to develop over the central and southern North Island this afternoon and evening, bringing heavy rain with intensities of 10 to 25 mm/h, hail and the risk of a small localised tornado or funnel cloud.

About inland Bay of Plenty from Rotorua eastwards, inland Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, the Tararua District, eastern Taupo, Taihape, inland Whanganui and northern Manawatu there is a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms developing.

These thunderstorms are likely to produce localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h.
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.

Note: 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

An update will be issued by 9:00pm Wed 1 Nov