Police have issued an amber alert for a missing teen in New Plymouth, as bad weather rolls in

16-year-old Inara Caldwell left her home on Mangroei Road at about 1.30 yesterday afternoon.

Police say she has autism, and is described as having dark hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a backpack, a grey t shirt, black track pants, black high top converse shoes and black headphones.

Police say they have serious concerns for her safety because of the bad weather and Inara's unfamiliarity of the area.