Thunderstorm watches issued for parts of North Island

MetService has issued severe thunderstorm watches and heavy rain watches for parts of the top and western side of the North Island.

And heavy rain has seen surface flooding in central Nelson.

Rain and thunder are possible in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Waitomo and Taranaki from 5pm until 6am Tuesday.

"Although the risk of thunderstorms is low, the risk of localised downpours occurring in this area is considered moderate," MetService said.

Downpours could produce rainfall of between 25 to 40 mm/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."

It comes as a front sweeps across from the Tasman Sea today, bringing a period of heavy rain and possible downpours for western areas of the North Island overnight.

A heavy rain watch is in place for Northland from 5pm today until 5am Tuesday, and Taranaki and the Tararua Range from 9am today until 2am Tuesday.

Auckland Emergency Management said it as important to check drains and gutters to ensure they aren't blocked when preparing for heavy downpours.

"As we come to the end of autumn there is still a lot of leaf fall so cleaning these up before they cause blockages is essential."

Wind and rain warnings for Wellington and parts of the South Island have been lifted.

However heavy rain has caused surface flooding in central Nelson. Water was gushing from a manhole at the intersection of Rutherford St and Hardy St, while the bottom of Hardy St is covered in water.