Flooded roads in Tokoroa as severe storms cross central North Island

Severe thunderstorms have flooded roads in and around Tokoroa this afternoon as "an unstable showery air mass" moves across the upper and central North Island.

MetService issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 3.31pm on Wednesday, saying its radar had detected severe storms near Tokoroa, Kinleith, Te Whetu and the hills and ranges east of the town, as well as near Matamata, Tirau, Morrinsville and the Mamaku Plateau.

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The forecaster said the storms were tracking southeast toward Rotorua and the southern Kaimai Ranges, and would sit over Rotorua, Ngongotaha, Reporoa, Waiotapu and Waikite Valley by about 4.20pm.

"Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous," MetService warned.

The warning covers South Waikato, Waikato, Matamata-Piako, Western Bay of Plenty, Waipā and Rotorua.

MetService issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the upper North Island, covering Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupō until 7.30pm.

The forecaster said "an unstable showery air mass" was affecting the upper and central North Island this afternoon and evening, with a moderate risk of severe storms bringing downpours of 25 to 40mm an hour.

MetService said rain that heavy could flood low-lying areas and cause slips. It said surface flooding and poor visibility would make driving hazardous.

NEMA has urged people to shelter indoors and away from windows, avoid sheltering under trees, and check that drains and gutters are clear. Once the storms pass, people should stay away from streams and drains and look out for fallen trees and power lines.

Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki and the northern Tairāwhiti ranges remain under an orange heavy rain warning until 5pm. MetService expects another 55 to 75mm of rain there, with possible thunderstorms.