A severe thunderstorm has hit south Waikato, producing 2600 lightning strikes and causing flooding. South Waikato was hit by heavy rain, hail and lightning on Thursday afternooon causing large delays on State Highway One, and flooding in the town of Pūtāruru. MetService meteorologist Peter Little said there was quite an intense cell near Pūtāruru which produced some quite large hail. “It has been a very active afternoon in the North Island there were 2600 lightning strikes, and in the Waikato there were 1800 strikes [as of 6.40pm],” Little said. James Greenfield/Supplied Lightning strikes seen from Papamoa Beach.

Source: Stuff March 11, 2021 07:07 UTC