Severe weather is forecast for Rotorua later today, with thunderstorms possible.
Rain in the region is forecast to become heavy this afternoon. In the 12 hours from 3pm till 3am, but from 6pm east of Whakatane, we can expect 80 to 120mm of rain to accumulate.
Peak intensities could reach 15 to 25 mm/hr, but possibly 30mm/h in thunderstorms.
East of Whakatane heavy rain may continue well into Sunday, and this warning could be extended.
A front is expected to move slowly eastwards across Bay of Plenty this evening and overnight with widespread heavy rain and possible thunderstorms.
The thunderstorms are most likely about eastern Bay of Plenty and Rotorua (mainly from Te Puke and Rotorua city eastwards) after about 6pm , when a few may severe producing localised downpours up to 30mm/hr.
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.
Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain, according to Bay of Plenty Civil Defence.