A FURTHER SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH HAS BEEN ADDED FOR AUCKLAND / WARKWORTH / NORTHLAND REGIONS TODAY SUNDAY 20TH APRIL

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Period:  8hrs from noon - 8pm Sun, 20 Apr

Area: Northland, Auckland

Forecast: (Note - Severe Thunderstorm Watch for eastern Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne/Tairawhiti has been lifted as thunderstorm activity is now expected to remain offshore). A line of thunderstorms producing localised heavy rain is expected to develop over southern Northland and Auckland early afternoon, and move slowly eastwards across the region. Between midday and 8pm today (Sunday), some of the thunderstorms may be severe about southern Northland (south of Whangarei) and the broader Auckland region, with rainfall rates of 25-50mm/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. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain. The thunderstorms should weaken and move offshore this evening.

Monday 21st April forecast

Warkworth / Auckland Region - A few showers. Southwesterlies developing for a time in the afternoon and evening.

Mangawhai / Northland Region - A few showers, clearing in the evening. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.