Flooding and power outages have been reported in Taupō this evening as heavy thunderstorms strike the central North Island.

MetService earlier issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the central North Island - including Waikato, Waitomo, Taumaranui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō, Taranaki and Taihape - this afternoon and evening.

Scattered heavy showers, thunderstorms and localised downpours of between 25–40mm an hour were expected within this area.

Residents in Taupō reported flooding shortly before 6pm, followed by power outages.

A local resident described the storm on Facebook.

“Whose power is out? Big thunder boom and lightning just above the house and ours went straight out.”

Another resident said: “There was a flash and simultaneous bang a while ago. Sounded like something had been hit.”

A Fire and Emergency spokesman confirmed they were responding to “multiple reports” of flooding and weather-related incidents in the Taupō area. They were unable to provide any further information.

Meanwhile, electricity distributor Unison’s website at 6pm reported an unplanned power outage in Taupō affecting 2084 customers.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been put in place over the central North Island. Photo / MetService

The outage, reported at 5.52pm, was “under investigation” according to the website and it was estimated it would be restored shortly before 9pm.

Affected streets included Whakaroa Rd, Charnley Way, Grant Rd, Mapara Rd, Katelyn Pl, Olsen Pl, King Rd and Ross Rise.

MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon earlier said some parts of the central North Island may not be affected, but the potential is there.

“Localised downpours can cause surface flooding, especially in low-lying areas.”

- NZ Herald