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Severe Thunderstorm Watch Area: Bay of Plenty,Rotorua,Gisborne Forecast: (Updated at 9:50am - possibility of small tornadoes or strong squalls added). A rain-band with embedded thunderstorms is moving eastwards over Bay of Plenty this morning with localised downpours. For Bay of Plenty and Rotorua from about Tauranga eastwards this morning, and for northern Gisborne/Tairawhiti north and west of East Cape late morning and early afternoon, some of the thunderstorms may be severe with localised downpours of 25-40mm/h. 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. Small tornadoes or strong squalls of 80-100km/h are also possible with the thunderstorms. The thunderstorm activity eases from the west in Bay of Plenty this morning, and northern Gisborne/Tairawhiti early afternoon. Impact: Note: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. For information on preparing for and keeping safe during a storm, see the Civil Defence Get Ready website