Thunderstorms forecast for Central North IslandTOM LEE/STUFF Farmers might welcome a bit of rain (file photo). Farmers might welcome the severe thunderstorms forecast in the Central North Island, though perhaps not the hail that could accompany them. MetService issued the alert for Sunday afternoon for Waikato, Waitomo, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and Taihape. Unstable humid conditions over the central North Island could produce severe downpours - up to 25 to 40mm per hour. For information on preparing for and keeping safe during a storm, see the Civil Defence Get Ready Get Thru website.

Source: Stuff December 16, 2017 21:00 UTC