There is “intense” flooding on roads as heavy rain drenches the Bay of Plenty.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the region, including Whakatāne, Western Bay of Plenty, Taupō and Rotorua, until 2.45pm

A heavy rain warning for Bay of Plenty and Rotorua is in place from noon until midnight tonight.

MetService said it detected a line of severe thunderstorms lying from Taupō to ranges east of Tokoroa to Oropi about 1.45pm. The line was moving towards the south-southeast, and expected to lie from the Kaimanawa mountains to Taupō to Lake Tarawera at 2.15pm, and from the Northern Ruahine Range to the Ahimanawa Range at 2.45pm.

MetService said the thunderstorms were expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Area: South Waikato, Matamata Piako, Western Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Rotorua

Torrential rain is expected, which can cause surface and/or flash flooding and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.

Details here: https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5 pic.twitter.com/FGMtyR23zB

— MetService (@MetService) June 27, 2025

The region is also under an orange heavy rain warning until midnight, with 50 to 80mm of rain expected and localised downpours possible.

The rain was expected to ease from the west on Friday evening.

Streams and rivers may rise rapidly and surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions were possible, the weather agency said.

Tauranga motorists reported flooding across several city streets this afternoon.

A Bay of Plenty Times journalist said flooding was intense.

At the intersection of Welcome Bay Rd and James Cook drive there was heavy flooding, with water bursting out of the manholes and flowing to the harbour.

A SunLive reader said 11th Ave opposite Memorial Park was flooded heading towards Fraser St, creating dangerous driving conditions.

“There is also flooding as you drive through Burrows St onto 15th Ave, outside the businesses. There is flooding in both lanes. It’s very heavy out here,” the reader said.

Tauranga City Council drainage services manager Radleigh Cairns said a few areas of localised flooding had been reported across the city, with contractors responding.

“We encourage residents to take care around any flooding they encounter and to contact council if they have concerns, so we can respond promptly.”

Rotorua Lakes Council said it was monitoring conditions and on standby.

PowerCO is reporting 621 people have lost power across the North Island this morning, mainly concentrated in the Matamata and Coromandel areas.

In the Coromandel Forest Park region, 288 people are affected and in Matamata, 109 homes are affected.

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence said via its social media page that people should ensure gutters and drains around properties were clear of autumn leaves and tree debris.

“Be sure to also tie down your trampolines or other heavy outdoor furniture as well.”

Most of the country was put under a severe weather watch or warning this morning.

Slips and flooding are impacting major roads at the top of the South Island, with parts under a local state of emergency.

Auckland and Northland are both under severe thunderstorm watches.

A heavy rain watch is in place for Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Taupō between 9am and 5pm.

The weather is being driven by a low-pressure system in the Tasman Sea, expected to move east of New Zealand tomorrow.

Showers continue for Bay of Plenty and Rotorua tomorrow before becoming mostly fine on Sunday.