The watch is in force until 9pm Saturday. Photo: Photo / 123RF
North Island areas still cleaning up from Cyclone Gabrielle damage could be in for further stormy weather this weekend.
MetService has issued a thunderstorm watch for the Bay of Plenty, Tāupo, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
"These thunderstorms are expected to be slow-moving, and consequently there is a moderate risk that some of these storms could become severe," the forecaster said on Saturday morning.
There could be heavy rain and hail, with localised downpours of between 25 and 40mm of rain per hour - and possibly more.
"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."
The watch is in force until 9pm Saturday.
The East Coast and Hawke's Bay were hit hard by Cyclone Gabrielle, with some roads not expected to be fixed for months and thousands forced out of their homes.