New Zealand / Weather

Live: Heavy rain, thunderstorms, risk of tornadoes in North Island, parts of south

15:49 pm on 15 May 2024

A MetService screenshot of rain sitting over the North Island and the top of the south at 11.35am today. Photo: MetService screenshot

MetService forecasts strong winds for western parts of the North Island overnight with a risk of tornadoes.

MetService says there have been almost 1800 lightning strikes over the North Island as thunderstorms moved through the Bay of Plenty.

A heavy rain warning remains in place for east of Ōpōtiki in Bay of Plenty until 11pm on Wednesday.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for Waikato, Waitomo and Taranaki from 1am until 6am on Thursday.

During this time there is a moderate risk of a few small or damaging tornadoes about western parts of Waikato, Waitomo and North Taranaki, mainly near the coast, MetService says.

Have you been affected the the weather? Send us your photos and stories to iwitness@rnz.co.nz

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