Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Area: Kaipara, Far North, Whangarei and Rodney

Forecast: 04:15 pm near WHANGAREI, DARGAVILLE, HIKURANGI, RUAWAI, MAUNGATAPERE, TANGITERORIA, WAIOTIRA, OFFSHORE KAIPARA WEST COAST, TE KOPURU, OKAHU, TANGOWAHINE, MAUNGAKARAMEA, KAMO, TOKATOKA and MITITAI. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.

Impact: Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Period: 7hrs from 2pm - 9pm Mon, 26 Dec

Area: Northland, Auckland,

Forecast: Scattered thunderstorms are expected to affect parts of the central and northern North Island this afternoon and evening. These thunderstorms will bring localised heavy rain and hail. About Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, western Taupo, Rotorua and near the Kaimai Range, some of the thunderstorms could be severe between 2pm and 9pm, with localised downpours of 25-45 mm/h. There is also a low risk of a small and very localised tornado within this area. 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.