Severe weather and possible tornado

Ashleigh from Neighbourly.co.nz

MetService have issued a Severe Weather Watch for the west and north of the North Island today - Thursday 2nd June.

There are expected squally thunderstorms alongside heavy rain and hail, as well as a possible small tornado. There is some risk that the thunderstorm will become severe with localised downpours of 25 to 35 mm/h, 110 km/h wind gusts, and the chance of a localised damaging tornado.

Low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys with this intensity of rainfall may cause flash flooding and/or slips. This will make the driving conditions hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility due to the rain. Wind gusts of this strength, and damaging tornadoes can cause structural damage, including trees and power lines.

The weather watch is in place until 6pm tonight but any changes will be reported on the MetService website.