The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for the Coromandel with heavy rains expected to hit this afternoon.

An extended period of heavy rain is expected about western parts of Coromandel during the afternoon and early evening, where rainfall may reach 50 to 70mm over a six hour period.

The MetService explains the humid weather experienced on the peninsula is due to a very moist air mass sitting over the North Island

'Heavy rain after a period of dry weather can also cause flash flooding in coastal streams and slips. Rainfall of this intensity may cause surface flooding and make driving conditions hazardous.”

The MetService is advising Coromandel locals to keep up to date with the latest forecasts as it is possible that parts of this watch could be upgraded to a full warning.

A severe weather warning is issued whenever there is an expectation that widespread rainfall will be greater than 50 mm within six hours, or 100 mm within 24 hours.

Warnings are also issued if widespread severe gales reach a minimum speed of 90 km/hr or frequent gusts exceeding 110 km/hr.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council is also asking the community to report any slips or flooding around the district by calling their customer services team on 07-868-0200.