Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Rotorua and Taupo

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Rotorua and Taupo.

The combination of a warm humid day and light winds has allowed daytime cloud buildups to produce scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms about the central North Island.

Between 6pm and 9pm today, a few of these thunderstorms are likely to be severe between about Hamilton and Waiouru, including Tongariro National Park, western and southern parts of the Taupo region, Taumarunui, northern Taranaki and the Rotorua district, with localised downpours of 20 to 40mm an hour and possible hail.

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.