Thunderstorms are lashing parts of the country as a low pressure system builds off to the east

MetService is expecting heavy storms to hit the east of the North Island and top of the South Island until later tonight.

Watches are in place for parts of the Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Tararua, Marlborough and Nelson regions.

MetService metereologist Ngaire Wotherspoon says they could also be accompanied by torrential rain and hail - so people should keep an eye on the forecast.

She says the thunderstorm watches are in place until nine tonight - so they could occur at any time between now and then.