Thunderstorms, wind and hail to batter Auckland and Northland

Rain radar shows rain falling on the country this morning. Photo / NZTA

The top of the country is set to be lashed by thunderstorms, strong winds and hail today as a fierce front batters the island.

MetService communications meteorologist Lisa Murray said there have been flashes of lightening in Bay of Plenty and off the coast of Taranaki. Decent rain fall has hit the eastern area of Bay of Plenty and heavy falls are approaching Taranaki.

A severe weather watch is in force for most central and northern regions of the North Island with the possibility bursts of heavy rain could lead to localised flooding.

The watches stretch from the Tararua Ranges to Northland.

MetService duty forecaster Tom Adams said the worst weather was reserved for Auckland north.

It would be a gloomy day for the City of Sails with squally thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast all day. The morning would be marked by strong winds and hail this afternoon.

He warned winds accompanying thunderstorms could gust up to 90km/h.

Some parts of the island would see up to 70mm of rain fall over the next 24 hours.

"What's happening is there's a pretty active front crossing the island with a low centre. When that happens it can take time to get across, leading to heavy rainfall ," he said.

Adams said like last Monday's massive hailstorm over Auckland's western suburbs most of today's forecast thunderstorms would be localised.

In comparison, weather in the South Island was set to be more benign with most of the island expected to be fine with the chance of a few showers over inland regions.

Power is out to 30 homes in Snells Beach, north of Auckland.

A Vector spokesperson said the fault is not weather related and power is expected to be restored after 11.30am.