6.15pm update:  MetService has updated the Severe Thunderstorm Watch, with the areas affected being Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Taupo.

"Scattered thunderstorms affecting parts of the central North Island will continue into the evening, with localised heavy rain and hail," says a MetService spokesperson.

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch is valid for four hours from 6pm - 10pm Monday, November 6.

"Between 6pm and 10pm today [Monday], some of the thunderstorms may be severe about western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua - west of Whakatane, including Tauranga, eastern and southern parts of Waikato - from about Paeroa to Putaruru and Tokoroa eastwards, and Taupo, with localised downpours of 25-40mm per hour."

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.
The thunderstorm activity should die away late evening, but further thunderstorms are likely in these areas again tomorrow afternoon and evening.

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

Earlier, 3.30pm:

MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Taihape, Waikato, Waitomo and Taumarunui on Monday afternoon.

"Scattered thunderstorms have developed over the central North Island this afternoon and will continue into the evening," says a MetService spokesperson.

"These thunderstorms are producing localised heavy rain and hail."

Between 3pm and 9pm today, Monday, November 6, some of the thunderstorms may be severe about Bay of Plenty and Rotorua - especially inland, South Waikato, Taupo, eastern Waitomo, Taumarunui, and northern Taihape near Tongariro National Park.

Localised downpours in these regions may be between 25-40mm per hour. The Severe Thunderstorm Watch is valid for six hours 37 minutes from 2.23pm to 9pm Monday November 6.

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.

"The thunderstorm activity should die away late evening, but further thunderstorms are likely in these areas again tomorrow afternoon and evening."

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