A band of rain and thunderstorms is lying near Te Puke this afternoon and an weather warning has been issued for the region.
It is expected to move slowly east across the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua to lie near Whakatane this evening.
A few of the thunderstorms could be severe and could produce about 25-40mm of rain per hour.
The weather warning noted rainfall of this intensity could cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and could also lead to slips.
Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
