Severe thunderstorm watch - valid until 9pm Friday
The combination of another warm humid day and light winds are expected to produce thunderstorms about many parts of the North Island this afternoon and evening.
Between about 1pm and 9pm today, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe about inland North Island areas from Northland to Whanganui, Taihape and Hawkes Bay (including Auckland), and also affecting coastal parts of Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.
These thunderstorms are expected to produce localised downpours of 25-40 mm/hr (or more), hail 20mm diameter (or larger), and maybe wind gusts of 60-80km/hr.
Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28.1% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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20.2% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.6% Keep it as is
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32.5% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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11% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
Three years’ worth of cocaine snorted in three months
More cocaine was taken across Waikato in the last three months than three whole years in the early 2020s.
That’s according to wastewater drug testing carried out by Crown research institute ESR for police.
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato?
New data has pinpointed Hamilton’s most dangerous intersections, including a high risk Cobham Drive turn off that a resident and driving experts believe should be shut for good.
While that turn into Grey St has resulted in the highest number of injuries, most crashes occurred at the bustling intersection of Te Rapa Straight and Wairere Drive.
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).