Search and rescue teams are being mobilised after a tornado struck Auckland on Sunday night, lifting off roofs and felling trees.
Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) said they are responding to multiple calls for help after the tornado hit, mostly affecting houses from Flatbush to Tamaki.
- Did you witness the tornado? Please email any photos or video to news@newshub.co.nz
"Fire crews are responding to calls and Urban Search and Rescue crews are being mobilised," FENZ said in a statement.
"Went through us. My neighbours got hit bad," one person posted to Facebook. "There's a lot of houses in really bad shape now."
Auckland Emergency Management said it is working with emergency services to see if they need any further support.
"We're hearing reports of tornado-like weather in East Tamaki tonight, causing damage to many homes," it tweeted.
"If your life is at risk, phone 111 immediately."
AEM said in a tweet a Civil Defence Centre is open for any people displaced this evening's tornado event at Howick Leisure Centre, 563 Pakuranga Road, Howick.
If you can do so safely, bring with you any necessary items like medications, baby needs and warm clothing.
FENZ said in a later statement they had 34 calls for assistance in the hour following a tornado which hit parts of Auckland about 9pm.
"Most of the calls relate to roofs lifting or being damaged, trees blown onto houses, and trees falling on powerlines.
"Fire and Emergency has not received reports of anyone trapped or injured, but Shift Manager Josh Pennefather at Fire and Emergency’s Northern Communications Centre, says Urban Search and Rescue teams are on standby in case rescues are required. "
It comes after MetService warned thunderstorms were likely in Northland and Auckland on Sunday afternoon and evening, and could become severe.
"Heavy rain, hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are possible with these thunderstorms," it warned.
Then later on Sunday night, the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupo will all be in the firing line.
"These thunderstorms are expected to be quite squally, with localised heavy rain of 10-25mm/h (or possibly higher in a few places), hail, and wind gusts of 90-100km/h," MetService said.
"There is also the chance of one or two small tornadoes. If any tornadoes do occur, they are expected to be small and localised."
