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The MetService issued a severe storm watch for parts of the North Island.
Arno Dyason of the MetService says the convergences of the daytime heat and afternoon wind are expected to produce showers and possible thunderstorms around central parts of the North Island and parts of Northland.
Affected areas include the Coromandel Peninsula, Hawkes Bay, Tararua District, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatu and around the eastern parts of Northland and the far north of Auckland this afternoon and evening. .
There is a moderate risk that some of these storms will worsen, with possible localized downpours of 25 to 40 mm per hour.
Rains of this intensity can cause surface and / or flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas such as streams, rivers, or narrow valleys, and can also cause landslides.
Driving conditions will also be dangerous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
A severe storm watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and near the watch area. People in these areas should be vigilant for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible severe thunderstorm warnings.
