A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua.

Slow-moving thunderstorms are expected about central parts of the North Island this afternoon and evening, MetService said.

For the southeast of Waikato, inland parts of Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, plus eastern parts of Taupo and Taihape, some of these thunderstorms may become severe, producing localised downpours with rainfall rates of 25 to 40 mm/h.

“Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips,” the weather organisation said in its latest weather update.

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

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

MetService said people in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible severe thunderstorm warnings.