Updated: MetService lifts severe thunderstorm warning for Wairoa and Gisborne districts
MetService has now lifted the warning below.
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At 01:52 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near TINIROTO and TUKEMOKIHI.
These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the west, and are expected to lie near TINIROTO, TE REINGA and TUKEMOKIHI at 02:22 pm and near TINIROTO, TE REINGA and RUAKITURI at 02:52 pm.
These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain and hail.
Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
Hail can cause damage to crops, orchards and vines and may make driving conditions hazardous.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in force for WAIKATO, BAY OF PLENTY, ROTORUA , TAUPO, GISBORNE, HAWKES BAY and TAIHAPE.
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management advises that as storms approach you should:
- Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;
- Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;
- Get back to land, if outdoors on the water;
- Move cars under cover or away from trees;
- Secure any loose objects around your property;
- Check that drains and gutters are clear;
- Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.
During and after the storm, you should also:
- Beware of fallen trees and power lines;
- Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.
