Thunderstorms and torrential rain expected for North Island

MetService has placed a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for parts of the North Island. Photo / iStock

Residents across the North Island are being warned to take care as wild weather sweeps the North and Western parts of the island.

MetService has placed a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Northland, Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Taihape and Taupo until 9pm tonight and have warned that flash flooding, slips and dangerous road conditions could all eventuate.

The thunderstorms were expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.

Meteorologist Ciaran Doolin said 36mm of rain fell in just one hour between 4pm and 5pm in Northland today, and was expected to continue at a similar strength until later tonight.

"Rainfall of this intensity can cause flash flooding, especially around rivers and streams, and potentially lead to slips. If you're in the car it can reduce visibility a lot so it can make driving quite dangerous."

36mm reported in Glenbervie Forest, Northland between 4 and 5pm. Radar rainfall for that time attached. ^SWF pic.twitter.com/qWNAJmqs2v

— MetService (@MetService) January 30, 2016

A Fire Service spokesman said there had not been an influx of weather-related calls this afternoon.

Civil Defence has advised that people in the affected areas take shelter indoors, move their vehicles away from any trees, secure any loose objects around their property, check that drains and gutters are clear and be ready to slow down or stop if driving.

After the storms pass, people should still take care and watch out for fallen branches, power lines and other objects.