A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Tauranga and the wider Western Bay of Plenty.

The MetService says the weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near the southern Kaimai Ranges, Pyes Pa and Oropi just after 4pm.

Thunderstorm weather is approaching Tauranga this afternoon. Image: MetService.

Severe thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast and are expected to lie near the southern Kaimai Ranges, Pyes Pa and Oropi, says the weather forecaster.

'These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain and large hail.

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

People are being advised to stay indoors and move cars under cover or away from trees.

MetService uses the following criteria for severe thunderstorms in New Zealand:

Heavy rain (from thunderstorms): Rainfall of 25 millimetres per hour, or more.

Large hail: Hailstones 20 millimetres in diameter, or larger.

Strong wind gusts (from thunderstorms): Gusts of 110 kilometres per hour (60 knots) or stronger.

Damaging tornadoes: Fujita F1 (wind speeds greater than 116 kilometres per hour (63 knots) or stronger.