Much of the North Island is now under heavy rain and wind alerts issued by MetService this morning. The Government forecaster this morning issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Auckland and Waikato lasting across the afternoon and evening. Details at https://t.co/GZIq9Jlbrw pic.twitter.com/OY5Nqrmy8z — MetService (@MetService) September 15, 2021It said the storms, expected to strike between 3pm and 10pm, would be accompanied by localised heavy rain and small hail. It said driving would prove hazardous, with poor visibility in heavy rain. Weatherwatch.co.nz said another round of severe rain would kick in across the South Island on Sunday with heavy rain, snow and gusty winds likely in western coastal areas.

Source: New Zealand Herald September 15, 2021 22:41 UTC