Inland parts of the Bay of Plenty, Taupō, Gisborne, and Hawke's Bay should brace for a Christmas downpour as a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued.
The watch, which is in effect from 3pm to 9pm on Sunday, predicts scattered thunderstorms with localised heavy rain and small hail.
In the eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty, inland Gisborne, inland Hawke's Bay (primarily the western ranges and south of Hastings), and eastern Taupō, some of the thunderstorms are expected to be severe and may bring intense downpours of 25-40mm/h. There is also a low risk of small, localised tornadoes within this area.
The heavy rainfall is expected to cause surface or flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas like streams, rivers, or narrow valleys. There is also a risk of slips.
Driving conditions will be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
The Napier-Taupō Road and parts of SH2 in Central Hawke's Bay south of Hastings may be affected.
The thunderstorm activity is expected to dissipate late in the evening.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and to monitor for possible severe thunderstorm warnings. Information on preparing for and staying safe during a storm can be found on the Civil Defence Get Ready website.
Rain is also expected for much of the day in Fiordland and southern Westland, but no warnings or watches have been issued for these areas.
For the rest of the country, it’s expected to be mostly warm and sunny, with Tauranga looking especially good for the beach with a forecast high of 26°C.
Newshub.
