Get ready for a rumble: the MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Central Otago this afternoon.

There is a risk that thunderstorms could become severe and produce localised downpours with rainfall rates of 25 to 40 mm per hour predicted.

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.

Reports from the Ida Valley at 12.30pm were that dogs are already jittery, and farmers may want to bring stock into sheltered areas. 

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. 

The alert covers the period 12.00 noon today (Friday January 6) until 10.00pm Friday. 

For information on preparing for and keeping safe during a storm, see the Civil Defence Get Ready website.