It might pay to keep a tight grip and a close eye on any loose items for the next 24 hours, with gale-force winds forecast for the Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel.

Metservice has issued a severe weather watch for both regions for today and tomorrow with west to south-west gales predicted.

Metservice has issued a severe weather watch for the Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel. Photo: File.

The area between Tauranga and Whangamata is most likely to be impacted.

Westerly gales are expected from soon after midnight through to mid-morning on Thursday, and may become severe for a time in exposed places.

The west to south-west flow which strengthens today will gradually ease during Thursday.

People are advised to stay up-to-date with the latest forecast in case the watch is upgraded to a warning.

This watch will be reviewed by 9pm tonight.