Heavy rain watch for Westland as North Island’s severe thunderstorm watches lifted
A heavy rain watch is in place for parts of Westland, following a flurry of severe thunderstorm warnings across the North Island today.
Earlier this afternoon, red warnings were in place for parts of Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Rodney and Franklin in the wider Auckland area, with torrential rain, flash flooding and hail forecast.
Severe thunderstorm watches for parts of the upper North Island and lower South Island were lifted just after 7pm.
A heavy rain watch remains in place for the ranges of Westland District about and north of Mt Cook until 9pm.
Earlier, residents in the areas under severe red thunderstorm warnings were urged by the National Emergency Management Agency to take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows.
If outdoors, people are advised to avoid sheltering under trees and to get back to land if they are on the water.
“Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas and make driving conditions extremely hazardous,” MetService said.
The forecaster warned that hail could cause damage to crops, orchards and vines.
MetService said it expected thunderstorms in some northern parts of the North Island and west of the South Island as there was “plenty of juice in this broad low-pressure system”.
Meteorologist Paris Marshall said rising warm, moist air is partly to blame for the heavy showers and thunderstorms.
Auckland and Northland were among the areas “most at risk”, she said.
Auckland Emergency Management has advised people to look out for surface and/or flash flooding, as the ground is sodden after the heavy rain.
“Remember never, ever drive, walk or play in floodwaters in case of hidden danger, debris and polluted water.”
There is some good news: Niwa forecasts a front will clear the country on Friday, bringing settled weather for the weekend.
“Expect strong northwesterlies and a burst of warmer temperatures,” Niwa said.
However, another front arrives late Sunday into Monday.
“Look for a windy and warm end to the weekend,” Niwa said.