The Eastern Bay of Plenty should expect thunderstorms this afternoon.
The MetService said thunderstorms are expected to develop over parts of the North Island during Saturday afternoon and evening around eastern areas of Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Taupo and Taihape.
Some of these thunderstorms could become severe leading to localised downpours with rainfall intensities reaching 25 to 40mm per hour.
There may also be some hail as well.
Rainfall of this intensity can cause 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.