Thames Coromandel District Council is advising people to keep a close eye on the weather and road conditions today as a complex mix of rain, wind and thunderstorms intensifies over the next 20 hours.
Up to 140mm of rain with a possibly more is forecast, with lightning and thunder dumping up to 40mm/h.
Slips, surface flooding, and power outages are likely, and people are advised to keep informed and safe. Where possible, stay off the roads.
The MetService website said the thunderstorms could be severe, particularly between the hours of 5pm and midnight tonight, February 24.
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 thunderstorms activity should ease overnight.
