Severe weather warnings continue in Levin

Ashleigh from Neighbourly.co.nz

This morning a tornado, created by a severe thunderstorm, hit the township of Levin destroying trees and property in the area. State Highway 1 has experienced areas of flooding and is therefore closed through this region.

MetService meteorologist Kathryn Hodge shared that severe thunderstorms passed through Levin about 7am with gusts of 140kph being measured. Flights out of Wellington were paused temporarily but have now resumed.

Here's what you need to know:
- State Highway 1 and 10 local roads have been closed - Oxford St, Cambridge St (from Liverpool to Bath St), Tawa St, Wilton St, Gladstone Rd and Mako Mako Road.
- Damage in the township includes powerlines, trees ripped to pieces, a building has been destroyed and several properties damaged. Some residents are currently without power to their homes.
- Several schools are closed including St Joseph's Catholic School, Levin School, Levin Intermediate and Horowhenua College.
- Residents are being urged to stay home for the time being.

MetService says it remains possible that more thunderstorms could hit Levin later this morning. Stay up to date with the latest official information on the Horowhenua District Council website.