A severe thunderstorm warning has been put in place for Gulf, Thames, Hauraki and Western Bay of Plenty today.

"At 4.15pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near Coromandel, Colville, Cape Colville Manaia, and Kennedy Bay," says a MetService spokesperson.

"These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning.

"Very strong wind gusts can break branches from trees, damage roofing, and make driving hazardous especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

"Frequent lightning is dangerous to people and livestock, especially those exposed outdoors or on the water, and can cause power surges and damage to electrical equipment.

"These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast, and are expected to lie near Pauanui, Whitianga, Coroglen, Tairua, Slipper Islands, offshore east of Coromandel Peninsula, Opoutere, Hikuai, Onemana, Hot Water Beach and Hahei at 4.45pm, and near Mayor Island near 5.15pm."

The National Emergency Management Agency advises that as storms approach you should:

• Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;
• Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;
• Get back to land, if outdoors on the water;
• 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.