People across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty are urged to take extra care on the roads this afternoon and evening as severe weather conditions intensify across the region.

MetService has issued a heavy rain warning and a severe thunderstorm watch for the Coromandel Peninsula and parts of the Bay of Plenty, with strong wind watches also in place.

The worst of the weather is forecast to hit late this afternoon and into the evening, coinciding with high tide around 10:30pm, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and coastal zones.

Conditions like these can change rapidly and make driving hazardous. People are urged to slow down, increase following distances and drive to the conditions.

Watch for surface flooding, slips, and debris and avoid driving through floodwaters.

People can check road conditions before heading out via the NZTA Journey Planner.

Our crews are on standby to respond to any incidents, and any updates will be provided via official channels.