A line of thunderstorms and a continuing threat of tornadoes have been forecast for Auckland this afternoon.
The thunderstorm watch issued by MetService warns rain with heavy falls is expected to spread south over the north of the North Island until 8pm.
There is a moderate chance that some of the thunderstorms from Taranaki, through Waitomo and Taupo, to the Bay of Plenty and northward, could be severe.
At 4.30pm, MetService detected severe thunderstorms near Morrinsville and surrounding regions.
They are forecast to move south-southeast, MetService forecasts, and will lie near Matamata and the surrounding regions at approximately 5pm and Tokoroa and surrounding regions at about 5.30pm.
“These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, possible tornadoes and frequent lightning,” MetService reports.
“Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous. Very strong wind gusts can break branches from trees, damage roofing, and make driving hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
“Tornadic winds” will also make driving hazardous, as they may cause some structural damage, notably to trees and electrical lines, but any tornadoes would only affect very localised areas, MetService said.
“Should severe weather approach or if you feel threatened, take shelter immediately,” MetService advises.
Earlier today, a tornado sent a sleepout containing a teenager airborne, crushing the building and impaling the teen.
Rhiley Stevens, 16, is awaiting surgery to remove a piece of his bedroom that lodged in his chest.
New Zealand has been hit by four tornadoes in three consecutive days, with no other reported injuries but property also damaged in east Auckland, the Nelson region and Taranaki.
Buller is also under a heavy rain watch until midnight.
An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Westland about and north of Mt Cook until midnight.
Niwa principal scientist Chris Brandolino told the AM show that thunderstorms will continue throughout the week.
“They’ll be gradually easing but still with us,” he said.
Brandolino said there is a chance that the bad weather will clear on the weekend but next week’s forecast looks to be rainy again.
“There could be another heavy rain producer.”
He said the number of tornadoes that have hit the country is unusual but not unheard of, with the country getting 7-10 moderate to strong tornadoes a year.
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