Severe weather warnings are in place and thunderstorms are possible in eastern parts of the North Island today.
A system east of the island is due to circulate over Hawke's Bay, bringing heavy downpours and possible thunderstorms, MetService warns.
A rainfall warning is in place until 1am tomorrow across Hawke's Bay, but excluding the Wairoa District.
Accumulations are expected to be between 100mm and 120mm in the ranges and coastal hills, with 60mm to 80mm elsewhere.
The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group said on its Facebook page that they are not expecting significant issues because rivers have plenty of capacity at the moment.
However, they did warn that the rainfall could lead to localised surface flooding.
Strong winds are also possible in Taranaki today from 2pm up until 9pm, possibly approaching gale force.
There's a low risk that thunderstorms could make their way further west, reaching the areas of Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Taupo.
For a full forecast for you region, see our weather section here .
SHARE ME