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
RNZ is New Zealand's statutory civil defence lifeline radio broadcaster, providing vital information and updates as they come to hand.
Residents can access RNZ National on 101.4FM or 756AM in Coromandel; 819AM in Bay of Plenty and east of Opotoki; 101.6FM or 1116AM in Nelson and Motueka; and 567AM West of Takaka.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advises that in times of crisis or civil defence emergency a battery powered radio or a car radio remain essential lifelines if power is out and other forms of communication are unavailable.
Find resources for an emergency here.
Follow the latest here: