A severe weather watch has been issued for Rotorua with heavy rain on the way from tomorrow night.
Metservice has issued a severe weather watch for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua which lasts from late afternoon or evening Friday through to Saturday night or early Sunday morning.
A moist northerly flow is expected to spread over the country tonight (Thursday) and Friday, with rain expected for many places, especially in the north and west of both islands.
The watch is for the possibility that rainfall accumulations could approach warning amounts (greater than 70mm in 12 hours) in the following areas.
People are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case any part of the watch is upgraded to a warning, or further areas are added.