Thunderstorms and rain strike Northland and AucklandBRENDON NIA NIA/SUPPLIED The intense blast of hail left an impressive coating on this deck in Wattle Downs. Auckland was hit by heavy rain, hail and thunderstorms as northern parts of the country were walloped by wet, windy and wild conditions. Midday #Auckland rain radar image. RORY O'SULLIVAN/STUFF Auckland received a hefty drenching of rain and hail, as seen from Williamson Avenue in Ponsonby. READ MORE: Lightning strikes Auckland's Sky TowerGLENN MCCONNELL/STUFF Aucklanders may or may not witness more lightning strikes this afternoon - but you can bank on the rain.

Source: Stuff August 18, 2017 23:58 UTC