Heavy rains could hit North Island

MetService has lifted the severe thunderstorm warning for the Hawke's Bay and Gisborne area this afternoon but still says most of the North Island should be alert for heavy, localised downpours.

A severe thunderstorm watch remains for much of the North Island, from Northland down to the Wairarapa, as a humid northerly flow brought outbreaks of rain and scattered thunderstorms.

Some severe thunderstorms with localised heavy downpours of 25 to 40mm/hr - possibly more - are expected from central Northland to western Bay of Plenty and as far south as Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, the Tararua District and northern Wairarapa during this afternoon and evening, forecaster Gerard Barrow said.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management advises that as storms approach you should:

- Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;

- Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;

- Move cars under cover or away from trees;

- Secure any loose objects around your property;

- Check that drains and gutters are clear;

- Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.

- NZPA