Freak twister near Katikati

An isolated twister has caused damage in Tahawai on State Highway 2 near Katikati this evening.

Fire services responded to reports of tiles that were pulled from roofs and tress that were ripped from the ground.

Tauranga fire shift manager Jaron Phillips said an isolated twister swept through the rural area just outside of Katikati.

A severe weather watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty as heavy rains lash the region.

Metservice issued the watch, which warned of severe rain and gales, for several areas in the North Island including the Bay.

A caller to the Bay of Plenty Times said there was flooding on State Highway 2 between Te Puna and the Whakamarama turn-off at Barrett Rd.

She urged drivers to take "extreme caution" and said the road "looks like a river".

Heavy rain was expected in the Bay from late this afternoon through to early Saturday morning.