More than two thousand properties in Taupo are reportedly without power - while heavy rain lashes the area

Electricity distributor Unison's looking into an unplanned power outage.

A severe thunderstorm watch is also in place until eight for Taupo and other parts of the central North Island.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand says it's responding to multiple reports of flooding and weather-related incidents in the area.

Meanwhile, the Taupo District Council says it looks like the town's through the worst of it.