[ad_1]
New Zealand’s stormy summer continues Monday with a severe thunderstorm watch over much of the central North Island.
MetService issued a severe storm warning for Waikato and Franklin on Monday afternoon.
“These storms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rains,” he said.
Rain of that level could cause surface and flash flooding and could lead to slipping. Driving would be dangerous, he warned.
READ MORE:
* Weather: Severe storm watch was lifted as heavy rains caused flooding and road closures
* Weather: severe storm brings torrential rains and hail to Timaru and Waimate
* Highest Waikaia River water levels ever recorded around Piano Flat
In addition to the warning, a storm watch is maintained for the Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, Taupō, Gisborne, and Hawke’s Bay.
Thunderstorms could be severe, particularly between 3pm and 10pm on Monday, and localized showers could be up to 40mm, MetService warned. Hail was also possible.
The weather was caused by hot and humid air with light winds that caused the accumulation of clouds.
Brodie Jaeger / Supplied
The floods near Opotiki almost submerged small cars.
It’s the last of three days of wild weather in New Zealand.
Between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm Sunday, 1,636 lightning strikes were counted across the country, while heavy rains and hail caused flooding and road closures in some parts of the country.
Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Otago were among the worst hit.
Weather warnings for the South Island had since been lifted, but several southern roads remained closed on Monday due to flooding: SH90 (Waikoikoi to Tapanui), SH83 (Otematata to Aviemore), SH87 (Kyeburn to Middlemarch) and SH82 ( Kurow to Ikawai).
