The MetService has issued a severe weather watch to the Rotorua/Bay of Plenty area.

A front preceded by a moist northwesterly flow is expected to move slowly north over central and northern regions of the North Island today and Monday, before moving to the northeast of the country Monday evening.

This front is expected to bring a period of rain with some heavy falls possible and accumulations may approach warning criteria in some areas.

This Watch is for the possibility that rainfall amounts will exceed short term warning criteria, for example 70mm to 85mm in a 12 to 18 hour period, in the following areas:

The hills and ranges of the central North Island from Waikato to Taranaki, including the mountain, and across to Tongariro National Park:

From late this morning till the early hours of Monday morning.

Northland:

From early Monday morning to early afternoon.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty:

On Monday from morning till evening.

MetService will continue to monitor the situation and people in these areas are advised to keep up to date with forecasts in case part of this Watch is upgraded to a warning.