MetService has put a severe weather watch in place for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne this morning, where heavy rain is expected.
It said, "A front associated with a large low-pressure system over the Tasman Sea is forecast to move south over northern and central New Zealand during the next few days, bringing rain to many areas".
"Some heavy falls and possible thunderstorms are likely, mainly about northern parts of the North Island and also northwest Nelson."
The predictions include "the possibility of rainfall accumulations approaching warning criteria in the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty including Rotorua, northern Gisborne, and northwest Nelson".
Residents are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case the predictions are upgraded to a full warning.
