Scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and early evening across Bay of Plenty and Taupō.
MetService says there is a moderate risk of these thunderstorms becoming severe, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40mm/hr and hail with diameter in excess of 2cm.
Thunderstorm activity should ease at night.
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.