Thunderstorm and heavy rain watches issued across North Island

Severe thunderstorm and heavy rain watches have been issued across several parts of New Zealand’s North Island, with forecasters warning of intense downpours, possible flooding and hazardous driving conditions.

According to a report by 1News, MetService has warned of a moderate risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms in Northland and Auckland, where rainfall could reach between 25mm and 40mm.

The severe thunderstorm watch for Northland is in place from 7.15 am until 9 pm on Monday, while Auckland and Great Barrier Island are under a watch from 11 am until 9 pm.

MetService also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Far North at 6.52 am, but lifted it shortly after 7.52 am, 1News has reported.

Further heavy rain is forecast across the North Island from later Monday night into Wednesday, prompting additional watches for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato, Taranaki and the Bay of Plenty.

MetService has indicated a moderate chance that some of the heavy rain watches could be upgraded to warnings, as reported by 1News.

The forecaster cautioned that significant rainfall could cause flash flooding, reduced visibility, and slippery roads.

According to 1News, motorists have been urged to take extra care while driving through affected areas and remain alert to changing weather conditions.

Weather watches in place

Severe thunderstorm watches

• Northland: Until 9pm Monday.
• Auckland and Great Barrier Island: Until 9pm Monday.

Heavy rain watches

• Northland: 9pm Monday to 10pm Tuesday.
• Auckland and Great Barrier Island: 1am Tuesday to 1am Wednesday.
• Coromandel Peninsula: 1am Tuesday to 4am Wednesday.
• Waikato, Waitomo, Taupō, Taranaki, Taumarunui and Tongariro National Park: 3am Tuesday to 1am Wednesday.
• Bay of Plenty, west of Edgecumbe: 4am Tuesday to 6am Wednesday.