The central North Island is set to be lashed by severe thunderstorms and hail this afternoon.
The severe weather forecast has been issued by the MetService, which says unstable humid conditions over parts of the country is the culprit.
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, and Taupo.
These areas could produce localised downpours with intensities of 25 to 40mm per hour and hail of 5 to 15mm in diameter.
MetService said rainfall of this intensity could cause flash flooding especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.