Bay of Plenty residents are in for a wet and windy hump day, as strong gusts and heavy rain batter the region.
Metservice has issued a strong wind watch for the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty from 8am this morning through to 4pm.
West to southwesterly winds may become severe gales during this time.
Rotorua, Whakatāne and Tauranga can expect rain, possibly heavy, with hail and thunder easing this afternoon and clearing this evening.
The biggest downpours are expected from about 8am this morning for Rotorua, then hitting Tauranga and Whakatāne about midday. All three centres were also hit with rain overnight.