Storms make way down NZ

The weather will largely clear up by tomorrow. Photo / NZH

Thunderstorms are making their way down the country bringing heavy rain, particularly to the capital where several houses have been flooded.

MetService meteorologist Emma Blades said Wellington saw nearly 10mm of rain between 8pm and 9pm.

"We've had some heavy downpours and some squally thunderstorms with high winds," she said.

A severe thunderstorm watch was in place for Kapiti, Manawatu, Taranaki, Waikato and the Nelson Ranges and a heavy rain warning in Buller, Nelson and parts of Otago.

Fire Service central communications centre shift manager Murray Dunbar said there had been a steady stream of calls from residents around Wellington this evening.

About five properties were affected by flooding in Oxford Court, Paraparaumu, and water had to be pumped from several properties elsewhere in the region.

The council had been asked to help with drainage.

Blades said the weather would largely clear up by tomorrow, in time for the Homegrown Festival on Wellington Waterfront.

Auckland missed the worst of the weather today, but there was enough rain to interrupt the Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Pakistan at Eden Park.