A Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in place for the Bay of Plenty EAST of Opotiki for a period of 13 hours, from 7am until 8pm today, Saturday 14 February.

We can expect 70 to 100mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, with intensities of 20 to 25 mm per hour, but possibly 25 to 40 mm per hour in localised downpours which may be accompanied by thunderstorms. There is a low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch in place for the Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, between 8am to 10pm on Saturday 14 February. For eastern parts of Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taupo, and northern Gisborne/Tairawhiti, there is also a moderate risk of localised downpours with rainfall rates of 25 to 40mm/h until late evening.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Opotiki and Whakatane. This means the MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near Kutarere, Waimana and Matahi. These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the southsouthwest, and are expected to lie near Waimana, Ruatoki North and Matahi at 09:07am and near Matahi at 09:37am. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.

As always, please take care if you're out and about. There may be surface flooding, further landslides and difficult driving conditions. Streams and rivers may also rise rapidly so avoid low-lying areas and be cautious. If you hear distant thunder or see a flash of light, get indoors immediately. If you are in a car stay in the vehicle with your windows closed. You are safer from lightning in a vehicle than out in the open.

Check MetService New Zealand for the latest forecast information, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Waikato & Bay of Plenty if you need to travel. Our team will continue to be here, monitoring 24/7 and will provide any updates as and when they come in.