Bursts of heavy rain is expected for the western Bay of Plenty region today.
MetService issued a severe weather watch for the Bay of Plenty, from Rotorua westwards and the Coromandel as a complex trough moves across the North Island bringing heavy rain to western and central areas of the country.
"It is possible that in some places 20-30mm of rain could fall in 2 to 3 hours, which could cause surface flooding, especially in urban areas." said a MetService statement.
The heaviest rainfall periods are expected between about 9am and 7pm and warn thunderstorms are also likely.
MetSevice advised people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts as this is an evolving situation.