Key Takeaways
- A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for pōtiki and Whakatāne, with heavy rain and flash flooding expected
- A severe thunderstorm watch remains in force for Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay
- The National Emergency Management Agency advises people to take shelter, secure loose objects, and beware of fallen trees and power lines as storms approach
- A lightning strike took out a pine tree in Hamilton, and footage showed a small tornado in farmland at Maihiihi
- Heavy rain warnings are in place for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, with driving conditions expected to be hazardous
Introduction to the Severe Weather Warning
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of New Zealand, following a night of wild weather across the country. The warning, issued by MetService, affects pōtiki and Whakatāne, with heavy rain and flash flooding expected. The storms are moving towards the southeast, and are expected to cause hazardous driving conditions, as well as surface and flash flooding in streams, gullies, and urban areas. The warning comes after a night of thunderstorms and heavy rain, which lashed parts of the country, bringing an end to the sweltering temperatures and clear skies of last weekend.
The Storms’ Impact
The storms have already had a significant impact, with a lightning strike taking out a pine tree in Hamilton. A resident described the scene, saying that the strike "took out a very tall pine tree on Mahoe Street", setting off car alarms, car horns, and causing dogs and cats to become agitated. Footage supplied to 1News also showed a small tornado spinning with dark clouds overhead in farmland at Maihiihi. The National Emergency Management Agency has advised people to take shelter, secure any loose objects around their property, and beware of fallen trees and power lines as the storms approach.
Weather Warnings and Watches
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in force for Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, with the storms expected to move towards the southeast. A heavy rain warning has also been issued for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, with 15 hours of heavy rain expected from 8pm Thursday to 11am today. The full list of watches and warnings includes a severe thunderstorm warning for pōtiki and Whakatāne, a severe thunderstorm watch for Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, and a heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua. The MetService has warned that the storms will be accompanied by very heavy rain, which could cause surface and flash flooding, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
Preparation and Safety
As the storms approach, it is essential for people to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The National Emergency Management Agency advises people to take shelter, secure any loose objects around their property, and beware of fallen trees and power lines. It is also essential to stay informed about the latest weather updates and warnings, and to follow the instructions of local authorities. By taking these precautions, people can minimize the risks associated with the severe weather and stay safe until the storms pass.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of New Zealand, with heavy rain and flash flooding expected. The storms have already had a significant impact, with a lightning strike taking out a pine tree in Hamilton, and footage showing a small tornado in farmland at Maihiihi. It is essential for people to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, including taking shelter, securing loose objects, and staying informed about the latest weather updates and warnings. By working together, we can minimize the risks associated with the severe weather and stay safe until the storms pass.
