Severe thunderstorm watch for northern North Island, New Zealand, Digi Mart USA News (New Zealand): A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki, with localised downpours possible.
MetService was forecasting a moderate risk of localised downpours, with rainfall rates of between 25 and 40mm per hour from 11am. The latest forecast warned that rainfall at that rate could cause flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and could lead to slips.
MetService said there is a moderate risk that thunderstorms will become severe during Friday afternoon and evening in southwestern parts of Northland, south of Kaitaia and Whangārei, and in Auckland. Severe thunderstorms would produce localised downpours with rainfall rates of 25 to 40mm per hour.
Auckland Emergency Management took to social media to warn residents about the weather watch. It said rainfall of up to 40mm per hour can cause surface and flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas such as streams, rivers and narrow valleys.
In a statement, MetService meteorologist Alanna Burrows said there was also a risk of thunderstorms on Saturday, with parts of the South Island possibly affected as well. Burrows said that with rain and the risk of thunderstorms, it is worth keeping an eye on rain radar and the latest forecasts for anyone heading out to vote at a polling station.
