The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for the Bay of Plenty, with thunderstorms and torrential rain expected for Thursday.
Forecasters expect an active front to move eastwards across the Bay of Plenty during Thursday.

The front is preceded by moist northeasterlies, which are expected to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to Bay of Plenty and Rotorua
during Thursday morning and afternoon. The heaviest falls are likely about the ranges, where up to 90mm may fall. While this is likely to be welcome rain for farmers, trampers and campers are warned that rivers and streams may rise
rapidly.