A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the Bay of Plenty.

The MetService says there is a risk of severe thunderstorms developing about central parts of the North Island this afternoon and early evening.

The thunderstorms are expected to develop around the Kaimai Ranges and inland Bay of Plenty down through Taupo, inland Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Taumarunui, Taihape, northern Manawatu to the Tararua District.

The storm is expected to produce localised downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour or possibly more.

"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, and may lead to slips and hazardous driving conditions," says the MetService.

Today's thunderstorm outlook has a moderate risk of Severe Thunderstorms this afternoon over parts of both North and South Island - see https://t.co/BZWb806UfN for more ^TA pic.twitter.com/4zT8kaWMaw

— MetService (@MetService) December 11, 2018

This watch affects people in the following weather forecast districts:

Coromandel Peninsula

Waikato

Taumarunui

Bay of Plenty

Rotorua

Taupo

Gisborne

Hawke's Bay

Taihape

Manawatu

Tararua