Weather: Thunderstorm warning for Northland

Thunderstorms passing through Northland - take extreme care on the roads.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Northland and police are urging extreme care on the roads after motorists have been spotted failing to slow down in torrential rain.

Metservice, in their latest release at 11am today, said weather radars had detected thunderstorms near Whangaruru moving south.

"These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the southwest, and are expected to lie near Whangaruru at 11:30am and near Waihaha at midday."

The thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.

Northland police Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe said police units near Hukerenui at 11.35am had reported torrential rain and visibility was down to about 25m.

"Cars are not slowing down and they should be taking extreme care in these conditions," Mr Metcalfe said.

"The wind is also picking up and making it difficult out on the roads."

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

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remained in force for Northland.

Metservice also forecast rain with heavy falls were expected to ease early Saturday morning, but may also ease for a time during Friday morning.

In the 45 hours from 9am Thursday to 6am Saturday, Northland could expect 180 to 240mm of rain to accumulate, especially in the east.

Peak intensities 25mm per hour or possibly more in thunderstorms.
They said further heavy rain was likely late Saturday and during Sunday.