Thunderstorms expected in Northland

Be careful out there today.

Just in time for the weekend the MetService is forecasting that thunderstorms could hit Northland today, with the possibility of flash flooding.

Thunderstorms are expected to affect the North Island today, bringing heavy rain and squally winds, MetService said in a release this morning.

From Northland down to Taranaki, and across to the Bay of Plenty and the central North Island high country, there is a moderate risk that some of these thunderstorms could become severe, producing downpours with intensities of 25 to 45mm/hr and strong winds gusting stronger than 100km/hr.

Rainfall of this intensity can cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips, while severe strong wind gusts can cause some structural damage, including trees and power lines.

Driving conditions will also be hazardous in downpours and strong winds.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.

-Northern Advocate