Severe thunderstorm warnings for central areas of the North Island have lifted but a raft of warnings remain as the North Island braces for wild weather. 

The earlier morning electrical storms were detected across parts of Taranaki and the central North Island, with warnings of hail, frequent lightning and torrential rain. 

Those warnings were in place from 5.15am for about an hour before the storm passed. 

MetService is continuing to urge those across the North Island to prepare for possible flash flooding today, when heavy rain and thunderstorms bear down. 

Rain is starting to fall on the lower half of the North Island as heavy watches and warnings start to come into force and are expected to last for 12 hours. 

Forecaster Oscar Shivipi told the Herald there would be a risk of flooding across the affected regions. 

“We are expecting the rainfall amount to reach 25-40mm per hour,” he said. 

A heavy rain warning is in place for the Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Ruatōria and inland ranges until midnight. 

“Expect 80 to 120mm of rain, with highest accumulations expected east of Ōpōtiki,” MetService said. 

“Peak intensities 15 to 25mm/h, but possibly 25 to 40mm/h in localised areas. Thunderstorms and downpours [are] possible.” 

Heavy rain watches are forecast to come into force for Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Auckland from this morning until this afternoon and evening. 

A strong wind watch is also forecast to begin for Northland and Auckland - including Great Barrier Island - from 10pm until 8am tomorrow. 

Auckland Emergency Management general manager Adam Maggs warned drivers to avoid surface flooding on the roads. 

“Turn around and find an alternative route, even if it adds a bit of time to your journey,” he said in a video shared on Facebook. 

“Driving through water can cause damage to your vehicle’s engine, something no one wants in the lead-up to the holidays.” 

Maggs said floodwater could also conceal debris and other dangerous hazards, and could rise rapidly. 

“So the best thing to do is to stay out of it altogether. Take it slow and don’t go.” 

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging people to drive with care and caution on Coromandel roads. 

“Heavy rain is scheduled between 4am and 11pm across the Peninsula, including the west from Thames to Coromandel, the north from Coromandel to Whitianga and the east from Whitianga to Waihi,” the agency said. 

“There is the potential for localised downpours, thunderstorms and high winds. 

“These conditions are likely to bring with them risks such as surface and flash flooding, slippery road surfaces, fallen trees and slips.” 

NZTA said drivers should anticipate trees or debris on the road just around the next corner. 

“Slow down and keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. Keep your headlights on to increase visibility.”