Auckland suburbs tipped for a lashing

Photo / Dean Purcell

Heavy rain and possibly even thunderstorms are forecast for southern parts of Auckland today.

Last night, emergency services were put on alert after the MetService issued warnings of torrential rain and thunderstorms for many parts of the central and lower North Island.

Deluges caused flash flooding in the Waikato, and in one two-hour period, Hamilton firefighters were called out to help the occupants of 13 inundated houses.

Heavy flooding blocked State Highway 1 next to Lake Karapiro around 9pm and forced motorists to take alternative routes.

Today, bad weather could hit Auckland districts such as Papakura, Takanini and Pukekohe.

WeatherWatch head analyst Philip Duncan said residents in the southern suburbs should be prepared for a lashing.

"There's a high risk of severe thunderstorms, including Auckland, and we're predicting that's an 80 per cent chance. There were big thunderstorms in South Auckland [yesterday] and there's a high possibility that'll be the same [today]."

Yesterday's MetService warnings covered not just central Waikato but also Waitomo, the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Taumarunui, Taihape, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Tararua and Kapiti-Horowhenua.

The agency said torrential rain could cause flash flooding and urged care on the roads.

Mr Duncan said he had had dozens of reports from the Waikato of lightning strikes every two seconds.