Photo: Unsplash / Daoudi Aissa
A thunderstorm warning is in place for Whakatāne, Taupo and Rotorua this evening.
MetService said the severe weather is expected to lie near Murupara at about 5pm and near Galatea, Kopuriki and Rerewhakaaitu at 5:30.
The thunderstorms are expected to bring torrential rain, hail and lightning.
MetService warned torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
Frequent lightning is also dangerous to people and livestock, MetService said, especially those exposed outdoors or on the water, and can cause power surges and damage to electrical equipment.