There is a thunderstorm risk over much of the country today, warns the MetService

While there are no official warning in place in the Bay of Plenty, the MetService says there is a chance of heavy rain today.

The rain is expected to continue through to tomorrow.

A SunLive reader has reported that there is "really bad flooding in Welcome Bay on the corner of James Cook Drive and Welcome Bay Road".

"There is no signs of flooding and is very unexpected as you come around the corner."

"A low accompanied by bands of heavy convective showers crosses the North Island today, which brings an increase chance of thunderstorms combined with heavy showers, hail and possible strong wind gusts," says the weather organisation.

"Those wind gusts could get up to 100 km/hr around Auckland overnight tonight, so make sure loose objects are put away or tied down.

"There have already been some lightning and thunder over the upper North Island, but most of the activity has been over the sea. However, there was a cluster of lightning over Great Barrier earlier this morning."

This thunderstorm risk continues over the upper two thirds of North Island tomorrow.

Good chance of seeing a thunderstorm today. Already been a few over the upper North Island.https://t.co/BZWb7ZPiRd
^Cam pic.twitter.com/7ETgrIgUlu

— MetService (@MetService) October 28, 2018