Rain warning for central North Island

Photo / Alan Gibson

People in Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua are being warned of severe rainfall this afternoon.

MetService says 25 to 40 mm of rain per hour could fall.

That is expected to die down by this evening.

MetService says rainfall of this intensity can cause flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and can also lead to slips.

Drivers are also advised to be cautious with the possibility of surface flooding.

- Newstalk ZB