A thunderstorm warning issued for the Western Bay of Plenty and wider Rotorua earlier has now been lifted.

MetService issued the warning at 3.27pm today and said it was valid until 4.15pm.

Weather radar detected intense thunderstorms developing inland around the Mamaku Plateau earlier this afternoon, the MetService said in its latest weather update.

MetService said the storms were expected to track toward the southern Kaimai Range before affecting Rotorua and surrounding communities, including Ngongotahā, Lake Tarawera, Okere Falls, Reporoa, Waiotapu, Waikite Valley, Golden Springs, Waireka and Guthrie by around 4.15pm.

MetService said the thunderstorms were likely to deliver very heavy rain, increasing the risk of surface and flash flooding in urban areas, low‑lying land, streams and gullies. Drivers are warned conditions could become extremely hazardous, with poor visibility and water on roads.

Safety advice for Bay of Plenty residents

The National Emergency Management Agency is advising people in the Western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua districts to take action as storms approach:

• Stay indoors and away from windows if possible
• Avoid sheltering under trees if caught outside
• Get off the water and return to land
• Park vehicles under cover or away from trees
• Secure loose outdoor items
• Clear drains and gutters to reduce flooding risk
• Slow down or stop if driving in heavy rain

Following the storm, residents are urged to watch for fallen trees and downed power lines, and to stay away from streams and drains, which can rise suddenly during intense rainfall.