Bold statement: A severe weather outbreak is sweeping the North Island, delivering heavy downpours, hail, strong winds, and even a tornado in Manawatū. This isn’t a one-off shower—it could intensify through the afternoon before easing tonight.
Here’s the essence: MetService has issued severe thunderstorm watches across multiple regions, with some areas under orange-heavy rain warnings. The watches span Northland, Auckland, and Great Barrier Island until 5pm, and Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Taupō until 6pm. Expect bursts of intense rainfall of 25–40 mm per hour in localized pockets, though overall activity should subside by evening.
Video footage captured a lightning strike on Auckland’s Sky Tower, a striking reminder of the atmosphere’s power today. In Manawatū, a reported tornado caused damage, uprooting trees, injuring a person, and damaging small structures after tearing through a motor park caravan.
The active low-pressure system is driving these conditions, moving eastward across central and northern regions today and then offshore to the east on Thursday. Anticipated rainfall totals reach up to 120 mm in places like the Bay of Plenty (including Rotorua), Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Ruatoria, and inland ranges, with the heaviest accumulations east of Ōpōtiki. An orange warning remains in place for these areas until midnight.
Peak rainfall rates are projected around 15–25 mm/h, with possible bursts of 25–40 mm/h in the most intense cells. The upper South Island isn’t exempt, as watches extend to Marlborough, Nelson’s inland ranges, and the Kaikōura coast.
Comprehensive watches and warnings in effect:
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island — active 9:30am to 5:00pm (7.5 hours).
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō — active 1:00pm to 6:00pm (5 hours).
- Heavy Rain Warning (Orange): Bay of Plenty including Rotorua, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Ruatoria — 11am to 11pm Wednesday (12 hours).
- Heavy Rain Watch: Northland — 9am to 5pm Wednesday (8 hours).
- Heavy Rain Watch: Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula — 10am to 9pm Wednesday (11 hours).
- Heavy Rain Watch: Central North Island (Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupō, Taihape, inland Whanganui) — 12pm to 9pm Wednesday (9 hours).
- Additional regional watches extend to Taranaki, Wairarapa, Wellington’s eastern hills and ranges, Marlborough/Nelson areas, and the Chatham Islands, each with varying windows throughout Wednesday into Thursday.
Controversial takeaway: This system demonstrates how quickly severe weather can surge across multiple regions, challenging communities to prepare for sudden floods, power cuts, and wind damage. The question many will debate is whether current forecasting and communication adequately drive timely protective actions for vulnerable populations. As these storms move eastward, what steps should families and local authorities prioritize to minimize harm? Share thoughts and experiences in the comments.
