A slow-moving band of thunderstorms is expected to move in across the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.

The MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Bay of Plenty and a warning for the Coromandel.

A thunderstorm watch has been issued for the Bay and the Coromandel. File photo.

Broader areas of rain may produce localised downpours of 25-40mm/hr about a few parts of Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty north and west of Tauranga.

The MetService is predicting this to happen between 3pm and 7pm.

'Rainfall of this intensity can cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips,” says a statement from the weather organisation.

'Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.”

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management advises that as storms approach people should:

- Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;

- Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;

- Move cars under cover or away from trees;

- Secure any loose objects around your property;

- Check that drains and gutters are clear;

- Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.

During and after the storm, you should also:

- Beware of fallen trees and power lines;

- Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.