Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Ashleigh from Neighbourly.co.nz

Extreme caution is advised across New Zealand today as MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch which remains in force for Nelson, Buller, Taranaki, Manawatu, Kapiti-Horowhenua, Wellington and Marlborough.

The National Emergency Management Agency has instructed residents leading up to the storms to:
- Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;
- Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;
- Get back to land, if outdoors on the water;
- Move cars under cover or away from trees;
- Secure any loose objects around your property;
- Check that drains and gutters are clear;
- Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.

Once the storm is over, caution is needed outside or when driving as there may be fallen trees and power lines. It is best to avoid streams and drains as there is chance of being swept away in flash flooding.

You can check the official warnings in place on the MetService website.

Those in Taranaki can keep up to date at the Taranaki Emergency Management website.